Dozens of Delta police officers and residents were recognized this earlier this month for going above and beyond in their service to community safety and well-being.
On Thursday, Oct. 3, the Delta Police Department held its annual awards ceremony honouring the outstanding contributions of officers, police staff, volunteers and community members.
鈥淭he awards ceremony was a celebration of excellence, the kind of excellence that defines the DPD,鈥� Acting Chief Const. Guy Leeson said in a press release.
鈥淲hether in moments of crisis or through their ongoing dedication, the actions and contributions of all award recipients represented the very best of policing and community safety. And while we honoured heroic and exceptional actions during the ceremony, it鈥檚 also important to recognize the work our team does every day 鈥� on every shift and every call 鈥� is just as important for our community鈥檚 safety and well-being.鈥�
The ceremony鈥檚 highest honour, the Chief Constable Commendation, was awarded to Const. Brandon Orser for his extraordinary efforts in supporting a man in a mental health crisis on the Alex Fraser Bridge for over eight hours, and saving his life.
Four officers were awarded Deputy Chief Constable Commendations: constables Christel Blesch and Mandeep Josan for apprehending a suicidal man on the Alex Fraser Bridge, Sgt. Scott Formby for the takedown and arrest of a fleeing gang associate, and Acting Staff Sgt. Jim Ingram for the implementation of the department's body-work camera program. Volker Helmuth, DPD's legal counsel and risk manager, was also awarded a Deputy Chief Constable Commendation for his work on the body-worn camera program.
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Another 14 DPD members were awarded Superintendent Commendations, including Const. Natalya Altukhova for "extraordinary work on SOS file involving [a] new immigrant," Const. Alex Quezada for "extraordinary work on SOS file that was causing concern in [the] community," Const. Cameron Wilson for "extraordinary work on SOS file in ground-breaking territory (AI/deepfake)," and Const. Joshua Lehbauer for "excellent work in responding to, identifying and arresting suspect in shooting."
Six officers were awarded Superintendent Commendations for their thorough teamwork investigating a large-scale drug operation: Sgt. Ian Koropchuk and constables Mike Santos, Will Noble, Nick Northcott, Stephen Fraser and Graham Bruce. Three more officers received the award for their extraordinary work in the evolution and expansion of the department's cybercrime unit 鈥� Acting Sgt. Brad Cook and constables Dustin Classen and Robert Cooper 鈥� while Jamie Jassal was honoured for "extraordinary support, organization and leadership for members of PSS," the department's Patrol Services Section.
Const. Meghan Wellis was awarded the Const. Sheila Rothwell Patrol Officer of the Year Award, which recognizes an officer selected by their peers for their sound judgment, leadership and teamwork in the Patrol Services Section, while Const. Jeffrey Miller was presented with the Community Engagement Award by Leeson and Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Laura Cassidy for strengthening the relationship between the DPD and the TFN community.
Four community members were recognized with the Outstanding Citizen Award for their heroic acts: Aaron Ekyhout for extracting occupants and assisting with an apartment building fire; and Joga Johal, Gagenpreet Heer and Mandeep Heer for restraining a woman who was attempting to jump from the Alex Fraser Bridge.
Other winners on Oct. 3 include Pat Wong for Volunteer of the Year, and Ranvir Gill for Outstanding Police Staff.
Six other officers were recognized for 20 years of exemplary service: Staff Sgt. David Vaughan-Smith; sergeants David Ogilvy and Harvey Sidhu; and constables Leisa Schaefer, John Merryman and Kathy Bauman.
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