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Over 240 women and men of law enforcement in British Columbia were honoured at the 40th annual Police Honours Night.
Photo by Jaana Björk
B.C. officers honoured for valour, commitment to public safety
Published 12:19 PDT, Fri April 25, 2025
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The 40th annual Police Honours Night recognized 241 deserving women and men of law enforcement in British Columbia for their bravery and dedication.
“Police officers throughout the province, from our largest cities to remote villages and Indigenous communities, have adapted to dynamic work environments to keep people safe from harm,” said Garry Begg, minister of public safety and solicitor general. “Every day, these dedicated individuals courageously uphold public safety, sometimes putting their lives at risk so the rest of us can live in peace. I’m honoured to have had the privilege to recognize these brave officers serving in police departments in B.C. On behalf of all British Columbians, thank you for your service.”
Over two nights at Government House, Begg presented awards to officers of all ranks from municipal departments and the RCMP for their extraordinary bravery in life-saving incidents, their devotion above and beyond the call of duty and their never-ending work to make communities safer in British Columbia. This year’s recipients include:
- Const. Derek Ballarin – for their efforts in saving a drowning toddler in a lake, while off duty;
- Constables Blake Chersinoff and Scott MacDonald from the Vancouver Police Department, who rescued a two-year-old child from a violent suspect, while facing a life-threatening knife attack; and
- multiple officers from the Central Saanich, Saanich and Victoria Police Departments, as well as the West Shore RCMP, who responded to a Saanich bank robbery that ended in a police-involved shooting.
“It has been a true privilege to hear the stories of those being honoured over the past two nights,” said Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Lt. Gov. of British Columbia. “They have demonstrated true courage and resourcefulness, often at the risk of their own safety, in the line of duty and beyond. I want to share my thanks to them, and to all who support them for their dedication and their service to the Province of British Columbia.”
In all, 152 officers received the award of valour, the highest award for a police officer in B.C. It is awarded to police officers who purposely acted for the benefit of others, while knowingly placing themselves at substantial risk of death or serious injury. These officers exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety to save or protect others from harm.
In addition, 89 officers were feted with honours for meritorious service, recognizing exemplary performance that answered the call to service in exceptional ways. It is awarded to police officers who clearly demonstrated that they acted in a manner significantly beyond the call of duty.
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