Each and every day Delta Police officers selflessly put their lives on the line for the safety of the community. Last night, at the 38th annual Police Honours Night, Delta Police officers were honoured for their remarkable service by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin and Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Valourous Service is the highest award for a police officer in British Columbia, and involves an act of exceptional valour in the face of extreme hazard.
Acting Sergeant John Jasmins was presented with an Award of Valour for the courage he demonstrated while off-duty in February 2019. A/Sgt. Jasmins intervened an altercation between a knife wielding man and a women while he was picking up his children from a North Delta elementary school.
He raced toward the male, tackling him to the ground. Both A/Sgt. Jasmins and the woman sustained significant injuries and required emergency surgery. A/Sgt. Jasmins was honoured for his selflessness that ultimately saved the woman’s life.
I am so very proud of the 2 @deltapolice officers who received medals for #Valour from Minister @mikefarnworthbc and Honourable @LGJanetAustin at the Police Honours Award Ceremony in #Victoria last tonight #ProudChief @BCPoliceChiefs #Thankyou for your service to @CityofDeltaBC pic.twitter.com/8Ybz0UHxDm
— Neil Dubord (@ChiefNeilDubord) November 22, 2019
Constable Paul Gibson was honoured for his outstanding officer safety skills, sound decision making and de-escalation tactics, receiving an Award of Valour.
During a high risk incident in July 2018, Cst. Gibson sustained injuries to his head, when an agitated man suddenly attacked him with a switchblade. Despite the injury, Cst. Gibson was able to de-escalate the situation, actions that ultimately are believed to have saved the suspect’s life, and potentially another police officer’s life.
“While we are very fortunate to have a dedicated team of well-trained police officers here in Delta, it is rare for them to be tested in such a manner,” says Chief Constable Neil Dubord. “A/Sgt. Jasmins, and Cst. Gibson took immediate and brave action in the face of danger, with split second decision making. I am incredibly proud that they have been honoured with awards of valour for their contribution to public safety.”
A third Delta Police officer received an Award of Meritorious Service, but his name and the details of the incident are being withheld due to the nature of his work.
Police Honours Night recognizes members of municipal police forces, RCMP, First Nations, and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit who have acted in an exemplary manner. Last night 114 officers were recognized for their service, with 30 receiving the award of valour, and 84 being feted for meritorious service.