A Delta police officer has been named among the world's best, according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The IACP's Top 40 Under 40 Award recognizes law enforcement professionals 39 and under who demonstrate leadership, excellence, and commitment to their communities and the law enforcement profession.

Among this year's winners is Delta Police Department Acting Staff Sgt. Gary Koonar, who as watch commander for 鈥楢鈥� Platoon leads a team of 20 officers focused on community safety, teamwork and proactive policing.

With a career spanning more than 15 years, 37-year-old Koonar has exemplified operational excellence, investigative prowess and a dedication to building positive cultural change within the department, according to a DPD press release.

鈥淚 am proud to see Gary recognized with this international award,鈥� Acting Chief Guy Leeson said in a press release. 鈥淗is leadership, commitment to community safety, and mentorship have had a great impact on our department and the community we serve. This award is a reflection of his hard work, integrity and dedication to policing.鈥�

Koonar's journey into law enforcement began in high school, inspired by the mentorship of a school liaison officer. He later volunteered with a community-based crime prevention organization and pursued a bachelor's degree in criminology, which he completed while serving with the DPD.

He joined the department at the age of 22 and quickly distinguished himself in various roles, including his work on Project Virtue, an investigation into child prostitution and human trafficking that led to the successful rescue of a teenage girl.

Koonar and seven other officers received Superintendent Commendations for their work on that case at the , where Koonar also was awarded a Deputy Chief Commendation for his 鈥渆xceptional work and composure" while arresting the suspect in a in North Delta that saw a woman and an off-duty DPD officer who stepped in to help rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Koonar's leadership in gang investigations has also been notable, particularly through an intelligence-led initiative that focused on reducing the risk of gang violence and shootings in the community.

He is also one of the primary trainers for the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program, demonstrating his commitment to cultivating a culture of accountability and excellence within the Delta Police Department.

"Each step of my journey, from volunteering and pursuing advanced studies to my work on the frontline, has been driven by a deep desire to make a tangible difference in my community," Koonar said in a DPD press release. "It is an honour to be recognized among such a distinguished group of law enforcement professionals, and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and family."

Koonar is the fifth Delta police officer in as many years named as one of the IACP's Top 40 Under 40, following Const. Grayson Smith in 2020, Const. Jeremy Pearce in 2021, and .

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