Chilliwack RCMP Officer in Charge Awards recognize exceptional service and bravery

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CHILLIWACK — The RCMP’s annual Officer in Charge Awards Ceremony recognized deserving individuals for acts of bravery, exceptional performance, innovative contributions, leadership, and community service. The event was held Wednesday (Mar. 13) at the Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre, and celebrated the remarkable achievements and contributions of forty-six individuals within the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment.

Nineteen awards were presented, including service medals and commendations. Seven individuals were honoured with Excellence in Valour awards, recognizing acts of extraordinary courage. Among them was civilian Kathy Parker, commended for her composed response during an attempted bank robbery in April 2023, where her actions ensured the safety of all involved.

In a daring rescue operation amidst challenging weather conditions, Agassiz RCMP officers Cst. Ben Stewart and Cst. Meghan Marsden risked their safety to save a woman stranded on a cliff face at Harrison Hot Springs Hotel.

Three Chilliwack police officers received the prestigious Alexa Team Award for their relentless efforts in combating impaired driving, a cause dedicated to the memory of 4-year-old Alexa Middelar, who tragically lost her life to an impaired driver.

The Excellence in Community Service award was bestowed upon the Cultus Lake Working Group for their collaborative efforts in enhancing public safety at Cultus Lake. Their joint initiatives, including the installation of Control Buoys and updated signage, aimed to improve water safety and respect the lake’s cultural significance to Indigenous communities.

Matthew Goodyear, an enhanced Digital Field Technician with the Chilliwack Digital Field Technician Services Unit, received the Excellence in Performance award for his instrumental role in supporting police operations during a threat investigation, ensuring the safety of a cultural event.

Cst. Tyler Rodney and Cst. Sahil Bansi of the Hope RCMP were recognized for their outstanding investigation into intentional damage to corporate infrastructure, resulting in the recovery of stolen firearms and the arrest of a suspect.

Cst. Jessica Padgett’s innovative investigative techniques earned her the Excellence in Performance award for her resolution of a challenging case involving the identity of a deceased female, bringing closure to the family.

Sergeant Ron Elliot was honoured with the Long Service Medal, recognizing thirty years of dedicated service and irreproachable character.

Superintendent Davy Lee, Officer in Charge of the detachment, presided over the event. Among the distinguished guests was Chief Superintendent Duncan Pound, Assistant District Commander and Operations Officer of E Division Lower Mainland Superintendent, alongside local dignitaries and friends and family of the recipients.