From safely stopping a sudden knife attack in a retirement home, to preventing a suicidal female from jumping off a bridge, to removing a teen girl from a prostitution ring, Delta Police officers were recognized yesterday evening for their exceptional work in the community over the past year.
“Our officers never know what might happen when they answer a call for help from the public,” says Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord. “I’m very proud to lead such an incredible group of people who regularly go above and beyond, sometimes putting themselves in harm’s way, as demonstrated in these awards.
Volunteers and citizens were also recognized during the evening, including a Victim Services volunteer who’s donated a stunning 5,200 hours to the program over a 20-year volunteer career. Additionally the efforts of two men who took action in two different violent stabbing incidents were honoured.
“One citizen stepped up to help a woman in urgent need, rendering vital aid, while the other man literally tried to pull the suspect off the victim, knowing that man was armed with a large knife,” says Chief Dubord.
Other highlights included: a community policing award for an officer who’s built partnerships and trust with the Tsawwassen First Nation, resulting in a 40-50% decrease in calls for service; a complex child sexual assault investigation which began in 2015 and eventually resulted in the conviction of the suspect for 25 offences, and a 16-year jail sentence; and Project Green Planet, a drug investigation that netted 94 drug and weapons charges against Red Scorpion gang members and associates, as well as the eradicating a drug line.
The Delta Police Department Annual Awards ceremony featured 30 different awards, presented to police officers and staff and members of the community. A full list of names and awards are listed below.
Chief Constable Commendations
The Chief Constable Commendation is DPD’s highest level of recognition. The members who are receiving Chief Constable Commendations have displayed acts of exceptional courage, including risking their personal safety.
Stabbing at Immaculate Conception School
Acting Sergeant John Jasmins
Knife Wielding Man at Kinsmen Village
Constable Paul Gibson
Deputy Chief Commendations
To receive these commendations, officers must have demonstrated significant performance beyond that of a job well done.
Alex Fraser Bridge Suicide Attempt
Constable Gordy Gill, Constable Jeremy Pearce, Constable Kevin Boyce, Constable Jennifer West, and Constable Josh Hutanu
Alex Fraser Bridge Suicidal Female
Constable Rob Semler and Constable Geoffrey Young
Accidental Self-Inflicted Laceration
Sergeant Sarah Swallow, Sergeant Clayton Ennis, and Constable Bradley Mear
Goose Bay Suicide Attempt
Sergeant Mike Scholz and Constable David Dyck
Stabbing at Immaculate Conception School
Constable Gary Koonar
CPR on Suicidal Female
Constable Rob Kennett and Constable Jennifer West
Alex Fraser Bridge – Mental Health Apprehension
Constable Graham Bruce
Superintendent Commendations
The Superintendent Commendation is awarded for an outstanding act of police duty or a distinguished contribution to the administration or operation of the Department and/or the community.
Fraud Against Senior Citizen
Constable Kristine Pemberton
Project Virtue
Staff Sergeant Heath Newton, Sergeant Jason Boyce, Constable Scott Formby, Constable Richard Stabler, Constable Christina Bruce, Constable Gary Koonar, Constable Aman Bachra, Constable Stan Cratchtley (Retired – VPD).
Project Green Planet
Staff Sergeant Heath Newton, Sergeant Ben Bruneau, Constable. Sean Cessford, Constable Kaitlyn Garcia, Constable Rob Semler, Constable Chris Ward, Sergeant Jason Boyce, Constable Emily Wawruck, Constable. Scoff Formby, and Constable Martin Levangie
Project Phoenix
Constable Richard Stabler, Sergeant Rick Peeler, Constable Aman Bachra, Constable Christina Bruce, Constable Brad Coutu, Constable Deanna Church, Sergeant James Sandberg, Sergeant Gwen Vaughan-Smith, Sergeant Jason Formby, Constable Kevin Dueck, Constable Tiffany Cooper, and Ms. Kim Henke
Sexual Offence Investigation
Staff Sergeant Jody Waldron, Constable Jeff Miller, Constable Shane McLaughlin, and Bob Elder
Residential Fire Evacuation – North Delta
Constable Brady Browne, Constable Dalida Omerovic, Constable Brad Coutu, and Sergeant Trent McKie
Goose Bay Suicide Attempt
Staff Sergeant Dave Vaughan-Smith, Constable Brian Short, and Reserve Constable Justin Wong
Attempt Suicide by Police
Constable Jim Ingram, Constable Gordy Gill, Constable Kris Willcock, Constable, Chad Bristow, Constable Richard Molenaar, Sergeant Raman Athwal, and Air 1 Crew Sr. Constable Roger Thomson and Constable Don Mitchell
Stabbing at Immaculate Conception School
Constable Garth Hoffman, Constable Scott Cartmill, Constable Josh Lehbauer, and Constable Bianca Boyce
Suicidal Male – Negotiator
Constable Lee Chapman
IT Projects Implementation and DARS & Tableau Compstat Enhancements
Jim Cicalo
Community Policing Award
The Community Policing Award is awarded to officers who go the extra step, and are dedicated to the community of Delta.
TFN Crime Prevention
Constable Mike Grandia
3-on3 Basketball Tournament
Sergeant Sukh Sidhu
Volunteer of the Year
In 2018, Delta Police volunteers contributed more than 40,000 hours of service to the community of Delta. Our volunteers are the lifeline of our District Community Police Offices, Victim Services Program, and our Reserve Constable Program.
Dianne Taylor
Delta Police Outstanding Citizen Award
For his contribution to public safety, and for acting to save the life of the female victim.
Stabbing at Immaculate Conception School
Mr. Rohan D’Souza
Delta Police Heroic Action Award
For his quick and selfless actions that likely saved the life of the victim.
Stabbing intervention
Baljinder Sahota
Community Partnership Award
For their generous donation and ongoing support, assisting victims of crime and trauma.
Pacific Assistance Dog Society
St. John’s Ambulance Lifesaving Award
CPR on Suicidal Female
Constable Rob Kennett and Constable Jennifer West
Accidental Self-Inflicted Laceration
Sergeant Sarah Swallow, Sergeant Clayton Ennis, Constable Bradley Mear
Stabbing at Immaculate Conception School
Constable Garth Hoffman, Constable Josh Lehbauer, Constable Scott Cartmill, Constable Bianca Boyce and Rohan D’Souza
Emergency Health Services Vital Link Award
CPR on Suicidal Female
Constable Rob Kennett and Constable Jennifer West