The Delta police recognized more than 160 years of exemplary service last Thursday night when it honoured seven members at its annual retirement dinner at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn.
In front of family, friends and colleagues, Const. John Smith (14 years), Sgt. Cal Traversy (9.5 years), A/Sgt. Ray Warren (27 years), Const. Scott Annesley (24 years), Sgt. Chris Borgstede, Sgt. Scott Brandon (36 years) and S/Sgt. Scott Lebus (29 years) were given a fitting send off.
The evening was filled with stories, laughter and a few tears as each of the officers were remembered by emcee Const. Mike Atkinson.
The officers recognized provided countless hours of dedicated service to the citizens of Delta in various levels of the DPD, including forensics, emergency response team, dog unit, general patrol, drug investigations and major crime. Numerous commendations and awards, volunteerism and additional service dot their resumes.
"In policing we are lucky that there is a comradery that we don't see in any other profession and as a result we have a fraternity of police officers," said Delta police Chief Neil Dubord. "I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the family members of all of these officers. Our team could never have performed as they did without your support, so we are forever grateful for what you have given us over the course of 25 years or more and certainly you have allowed us to enjoy that degree of success that the Delta police have had through these officers."
Const. Grayson Hockings, one of several new recruits for the department, also paid tribute to the outgoing members, thanking them for setting the stage for the new wave of officers that have and will be joining the force.
"You have all paved the way for the younger members like myself to be able to stand proudly in a Delta police uniform," said Hockings. "You have given blood, sweat and tears to this job; missed birthdays, anniversaries and countless special events in order to uphold your duty. We certainly have large shoes to fill. You should sit proud knowing that you have made the community of Delta safer and by that a better place for people to be able to raise families."
