Province recognizes Northern BC Mounties during Police Honours Night

Several RCMP officers from Northern BC and the Cariboo were recognized for their bravery and dedication.

The 40th Annual Police Honours Night recognized 241 members during a two-night event at Government House in Victoria.

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 Mounties 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.

Last night (Thursday), Awards of Valour were handed to several northern officers including:

Const. Lukas Bielicz and Insp. Damon Werrell (now retired) of the Dawson Creek RCMP – for their exceptional courage and swift response to a bear attack.

Const. Ashley van Leeuwen from the Smithers Detachment – for demonstrating exceptional bravery and composure when confronting and restraining an armed and combative suicidal male, ensuring the safety of his family and co-ordinating a safe arrest.

Lastly, Const. Chris Brown (now retired), Const. Mackenzie Sheridan (now retired), Cpl. J.R. (Edward) Gohn, sergeants Amy Floyd and Kyle Ushock from the Vanderhoof RCMP were recognized for their bravery and courage in the face of very dangerous circumstances with an active shooter.

A pair of Meritorious Service awards were handed out to a pair of officers from our region Thursday evening.

Cpl. Daniel Cloutier of the Dawson Creek RCMP – with their police service dog, for their life-saving efforts in locating an offender.

Const. Kevin Wiebe of the Williams Lake detachment – for their heroic work when saving a trapped driver in a single motor vehicle incident where the car was on fire.

“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.”

This year’s Police Honours night recognized members from 2023 and 2024.