A number of Kootenay-Boundary officers have been recognized for their bravery and dedication at the 40th annual Police Honours Night.
Awards of Valour, the highest award for a police officer in B.C., were presented to Trail RCMP officers Constables Evan Harding and Jason Zilkie – for risking their lives, while responding to a suicidal and mentally ill male behaving erratically and attempting to enter the BC Ambulance station when he produced a firearm.
While awards of meritorious service were given to Creston RCMP’s Sgt. John Edinger and Staff Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk – for their efforts in rescuing a newborn infant with life-threatening conditions, and Midway RCMP’s Sgt. Phil Peters – for his courageous efforts in locating a wet, hypothermic individual who was trapped in a ravine by making a fire to keep them warm and alert until search-and-rescue personnel arrived.
“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 all 241 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.
View this year’s recipients here.
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