2017COMMENDATION CEREMONY
VA N C O U V E R P O L I C E D E PA R T M E N T
POLICE BOARD AWARD OF MERIT CHIEF CONSTABLE UNIT CITATIONS CHIEF CONSTABLE COMMENDATIONS POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD OF
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POLICE BOARD AWARD OF MERIT CHIEF CONSTABLE UNIT CITATIONS CHIEF CONSTABLE COMMENDATIONS POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD OF
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POLICE BOARD AWARD OF MERIT CHIEF CONSTABLE UNIT CITATIONS CHIEF CONSTABLE COMMENDATIONS POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD OF
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COMMENDATIONS AWARD OF MERIT CHIEF CONSTABLE UNIT CITATIONS CHIEF CONSTABLE COMMENDATIONS AWARD OF MERIT CHIEF CONSTABLE UNIT
CITATIONS CHIEF CONSTABLE COMMENDATIONS POLICE BOARD AWARD OF MERIT CHIEF CONSTABLE UNIT CITATIONS CHIEF CONSTABLE COMMENDATIONS
2017 COMMENDATION CEREMONY
AWARD OF MERIT
The Award of Merit is presented by the Vancouver Police Board to citizens who, on their own
initiative and in the face of actual or anticipated danger, assist police in preventing a crime,
apprehending or attempting to apprehend an offender, or make a life-saving attempt.
MR. CARLOS CABALLERO
Most people witnessing someone running from police on a city street would watch with interest.
Some might even head in another direction. On September 7, 2015, Mr. Carlos Caballero
decided he would join the chase.
From his viewpoint, he could see that the suspect had hopped a cement wall and entered an
alley, where he was ducking in and out of the shadows. He quickly headed in that direction and
came face to face with the man, telling him to stop.
The suspect charged angrily at him, yelling and swearing, but Carlos charged back, knocking
the man to the ground and holding him down until police arrived moments later.
Carlos had no way of knowing that the man had just tried to kidnap a two-year-old girl from
Stanley Park nearby, and that he was also a suspect in a kidnapping two days prior, in which he
had grabbed an eight-year-old and tried to carry her away from her parents.
For placing himself in jeopardy, and racing to assist police with the arrest of a violent and
dangerous man, Carlos Caballero is awarded the Vancouver Police Board’s highest award for
civilian bravery, the Award of Merit.
MR. JONATHAN DUGUAY
On just an average day waiting for a bus in the afternoon rush hour, the last thing you would
expect is to be saving two teens from a vicious knife attack, and helping police catch the two
assailants responsible.
On March 23, 2014, Jonathan Duguay was at Main and Terminal when he noticed four youths
involved in a fight. When one of the youths stabbed two others, Jonathan raced to intervene,
tackling the teen with the knife and knocking it from his hand. As he was attempting to hold on
to him, a second suspect joined in, kicking Jonathan in the head. The two aggressors fled, but
they would not escape justice.
When he was struggling with the knife-wielding teen, Jonathan unknowingly brought him into
CCTV camera view, giving investigators a clear picture of the suspect. Police also recovered the
knife, a valuable piece of evidence, which had been knocked out of the assailant’s hand in the
struggle.
A 15-year-old boy suffered a life-threatening stab wound to his back. A girl, also 15, received
life-altering stab wounds to her face, resulting in disfigurement and nerve damage. Investigators
would learn that the attack was a case of mistaken identity.
Despite there being a large crowd of people gathered in the area, Jonathan was the only person
to intervene. His actions not only stopped the attack -- they also lead to a successful conviction
of both assailants.
For coming to the aid of two teenaged victims, without thought for his own personal safety, and
ensuring their attackers faced justice, Jonathan Duguay is awarded the Vancouver Police
Board’s highest award for civilian bravery, the Award of Merit.
MR. GEORGE HUDDLESTON
It was an ordinary afternoon on December 23, 2015, when a Vancouver man made a delivery in
a Vancouver laneway. In a split second, the day would become extraordinary, and he would be
thankful for the selfless intervention of a stranger.
As the driver unloaded his van, two men he did not know approached him. They suddenly
began calling him names, and then hitting him. One of the attackers began to stab him, and he
screamed for help. George Huddleston heard his cries, called
9-1-1, and came running.
As George entered the lane, he could see two men assaulting another, one of them with a knife.
He yelled at them to stop, with no effect, and then grabbed a nearby garbage can, pushing it
toward the two men and forcing them off of the victim.
One of the men fled, but the second advanced on George, who grabbed a steel pipe. After
striking the attacker, they struggled on the ground. Despite further assault and being spat on,
George managed to hold the man until police arrived.
The second man was found by police nearby.
For coming to the aid of a complete stranger, protecting him from further injury, and putting
himself at serious risk, George Huddleston is awarded the Vancouver Police Board’s highest
award for civilian bravery, the Award of Merit.
MR. MICHAEL HYDE
It was just after midnight on September 10, 2015, when a lone store clerk was confronted by a
dangerous man threatening him with a syringe full of blood. When the robber left the store with
cash and lottery tickets, the store clerk ran out after him, yelling at him to stop.
Michael Hyde was out walking with his girlfriend when he witnessed the chase, and knew the
man being pursed had likely committed a crime.
He took off running after the suspect, and confronted him. The man was combative and a
struggle ensued. Michael was able to subdue him, and hold him until police arrived.
For pursuing a dangerous robber, at great risk to his own personal safety, Michael Hyde is
awarded the Vancouver Police Board’s highest award for civilian bravery, the Award of Merit.
MS. AGNES PENNY SZEKELY
It is not unusual for a police officer to risk their life to help someone, but when a citizen steps
forward, with no training or experience, and puts themselves in danger to save others, it merits
recognition.
When off-duty VPD Sergeant Clive Milligan spotted smoke on his way in to work early on the
morning of February 23, 2016, he drove directly toward it. He arrived at a residence on East
28th Avenue that was engulfed in flames, and the fire department had not yet arrived.
The sergeant ran to the front door and found neighbour Agnes Penny Szekely had entered the
burning home just ahead of him, every bit as determined to see that everyone inside got out
safely. Despite the smoke, they cleared out the upstairs residents, ensuring that no one was left
behind. The pair then turned their attention to the basement suite.
The outside door was blocked by fire, so they broke a ground floor window and Agnes assisted
Sergeant Milligan by removing the security bars and broken glass, allowing him to enter and
search the basement. Agnes maintained her position at the window, in toxic smoke, while
Sergeant Milligan completed his search.
For selflessly putting herself in danger to save her neighbours, and coming to the aid of a
Vancouver Police officer with the same goal, Agnes Penny Szekely is awarded the Vancouver
Police Board’s highest award for civilian bravery, the Award of Merit.
MR. BRONSON NORTON.
It’s comforting to know there are heroes who walk among us, ready to answer a call for help in a
heartbeat.
Bronson Norton was on his way to the gym around noon on March 26, 2015, when he heard a
woman screaming for help. He felt an urgency so great, that he raced toward the screams,
coming from a home in the 800 block of Hawks Avenue. He could see through the open front
door that a man was sexually assaulting the woman inside, with a large knife held to her throat.
He ran into the residence, valiantly fighting with the attacker, forcing him out of the residence.
Despite a broken hand, and with the help of others outside, Bronson held on to the man until
police arrived.
The woman suffered serious injuries, and believes her attacker would have killed her if Bronson
hadn’t intervened.
For his courageous and heroic actions in stopping a vicious assault, at great personal risk,
Bronson Norton is awarded the Vancouver Police Board’s highest award for civilian bravery, the
Award of Merit.
MR. PEYTON LISCOMB
MR. ERIC CHENNELLS
In the hectic world we live in, it can be easy to miss the suffering of another person. But for an
extraordinary and perceptive 15-year-old boy, and a stranger in the right place at the right time,
this was not the case.
While riding a city bus late in the afternoon of March 2, 2016, Peyton Liscomb noticed a woman
crying. When they both exited the bus at the south end of the Granville Street bridge, the teen
was concerned enough to follow her as she headed over the bridge.
When the woman began to glance over the edge, Peyton called
9-1-1, watching in horror as she suddenly stopped and began to climb over the railing. He called
out to Eric Chennells, who was walking by, and the two rescuers struggled with the distraught
woman, putting themselves at serious risk of being dragged over the edge with her.
When police arrived, it took four officers to bring the woman to safety.
For acting on their concern for a woman in distress, and preventing her from taking her own life,
Peyton Liscomb and Eric Chennells are awarded the Vancouver Police Board’s highest award
for civilian bravery, the Award of Merit.
MR. AHMED BOUCHIBA
No matter what your beliefs, it can be hard to argue that sometimes people are put in the right
place at just the right time.
For Ahmed Bouchiba, that time was just after midnight on April 17, 2016, and the place was the
Lions Gate Bridge.
While driving north on the bridge, he noticed a woman about to climb over the railing. Without a
second thought, he pulled over, jumped out of his car, and ran toward her. He was able to pull
the woman back to safety, and comfort her while waiting for police to arrive.
Such selfless action came as no surprise to Ahmed’s fellow VPD Citizens’ Crime Watch
volunteers, who dedicate their personal time to help keep Vancouver safe.
For coming to the aid of a distraught young woman, without concern for his own safety, Ahmed
Bouchiba is awarded the Vancouver Police Board’s highest award for civilian bravery, the
Award of Merit.
MR. CALEB HYSTAD
Many of us have experienced that spine-tingling sensation when our intuition is telling us
something is just not right – and we regularly ignore it.
Thankfully, on February 10, 2016, Caleb Hystad did not ignore his intuition, but acted on it,
preventing further harm to a five-year-old boy.
Caleb was in the washroom at the public library, when he noticed a young boy leaving a
bathroom stall followed by a man. The boy seemed upset, and Caleb strongly felt that
something was wrong. Caleb left the bathroom and saw the boy with his mother just outside,
and the man walking toward the exit.
After confirming the mother did not know the man, Caleb took off after him, grabbing him by the
shoulder before he could leave the library. He brought him back inside to security, who called
police. The man turned out to be a serial sex offender who preyed on children.
For his keen observation and willingness to get involved, which led to the arrest of a predator,
Caleb Hystad is awarded the Vancouver Police Board’s highest award for civilian bravery, the
Award of Merit.
MR. KAMRAN MODARESI
It took only an instant for an average late-morning bus ride on May 24, 2016, to go from routine
to terrifying.
Passengers were nervous the moment the man stepped on to the downtown city bus. He was
drunk and saying things that didn’t make sense, stomping his feet, and using his hands to
imitate a firearm, pointing at several passengers, as if to shoot them.
He sat down across from Kamran Modaresi, and pulled a folding knife out of his pocket. When
he began swinging it around, Kamran had had enough. He asked the man to put the knife away,
which led to him making stabbing motions in Kamran’s direction.
Kamran stood up and quickly disarmed the man, then physically removed him from the bus,
holding him until police arrived.
For taking action, at great personal risk, and preventing potentially serious or fatal injury to his
fellow passengers, Kamran Modaresi is awarded the Vancouver Police Board’s highest award
for civilian bravery, the Award of Merit.
DR. CLIFFORD CHASE
Much like police officers, doctors are never really off duty. At any point, in any place, they can
be called upon to save a life.
On June 10, 2014, when a man was shot at point-blank range while sitting at a café with a
friend, police were quick to respond and pursue the shooter. The victim, unconscious and
bleeding profusely from his bullet wound, would survive, largely thanks to a former emergency
room doctor who jumped into action.
Dr. Clifford Chase stopped citizens from performing CPR, recognizing that pumping his heart
would only hasten the man’s demise. Instead, he staunched the flow of blood, maintained the
man’s airway, and waited for the ambulance to arrive. Dr. Chase then quickly and expertly
briefed the paramedics so they could continue life-saving measures.
For selflessly coming to the aid of a critically injured stranger, making sound decisions and
actions under extreme pressure to save a life, Dr. Clifford Chase is awarded the Police Board’s
highest award for civilian bravery, the Award of Merit.
THE JIM AND VICKI CHU COMMUNITY SAFETY LEADER AWARD
This award recognizes a citizen who has made an outstanding contribution towards crime
prevention and improving safety in the community. Nominees will have demonstrated exemplary
leadership in their community and a passion for making Vancouver a safe place to live.
MR. CLAIR MACGOUGAN
The Jim and Vicki Chu Community Safety Leader Award recognizes a citizen who has made an
outstanding contribution towards crime prevention and improving safety at the community and
neighbourhood levels. Nominees and recipients have shown exemplary leadership in the
community and a demonstrated passion for making Vancouver a great place to live.
For the past 12 years, Mr. Clair MacGougan has served as the Executive Director of the
Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre, but his efforts have stretched far beyond the
boundaries of the neighbourhood he serves, and far outside his regular workday.
Leading one of the largest and most effective community policing centres in the city, other
centres look to Clair for his mentorship, volunteer support, and advice. The Hastings Sunrise
Community Policing Centre consistently recruits and attracts high-calibre volunteers, who under
his leadership continually demonstrate their knowledge and skills about crime prevention
strategies, new trends, and local programming available for area residents.
Clair recognizes and praises their meaningful contributions in an annual event, bringing together
over 2500 local residents, CPC staff, and VPD officers.
Clair has volunteered countless hours assisting with training, advisory board meetings, and
serving on local community panels. When potential housing issues were identified for people
who are hard to house in the community, Clair reached out to bridge the best interests of the
community at large, the community policing centre, the City of Vancouver, and other community
partners.
His professionalism and support helped ensure a safe place for marginalized people to live,
while addressing the security concerns of area residents.
For his efforts and leadership, contributing to the safety of our city and increasing the liveability
that Vancouver citizens enjoy, Clair MacGougan is awarded the Jim and Vicki Chu Community
Safety Leader Award.
AWARDS OF VALOUR
The Chief Constable’s Award of Valour is not given out every year and is only awarded to a
member who has fulfilled these onerous requirements:
•
•
•
demonstrating the most conspicuous act of bravery in extremely hazardous
circumstances
a daring or pre-eminent act of valour, self-sacrifice or exceptional devotion to duty in the
presence of grave danger
purposely taking action for the benefit of others while knowing that, in doing so, they
placed themselves at substantial risk of death or serious injury
CHIEF CONSTABLE’S COMMENDATIONS
Chief Constable’s Commendations can be awarded to police officers and civilian staff who:
•
demonstrate over the course of a single investigation, operation, or incident; skill,
judgement, dedication or integrity in the performance of duty
•
demonstrate the highest standards of police conduct, or humanitarianism in a single
operation, incident or investigation where there was a high risk or exposure to danger
•
demonstrate over a period of time exceptional skill, judgment, dedication or integrity in
the performance of duty
•
develop a method or program that has a substantial effect on the operation of the
Department
CHIEF CONSTABLE’S CITATIONS
Chief Constable’s Citations are based on the same criteria as Commendations, but is awarded
to two or more members, police and/or civilian, working together on an incident or project.
DETECTIVE CONSTABLE CHRIS BERDA
DETECTIVE CONSTABLE GLYNIS GRIFFITHS
CONSTABLE NADIA D’ANDREA
CONSTABLE CHRIS KOCH
CONSTABLE TERRY KONDO
CONSTABLE JOSEF MANCIN
Anyone in the area surrounding Science World in the late morning of June 10, 2014, may have
thought they stumbled onto one of Vancouver’s numerous movie sets.
A local businessman sat enjoying coffee with a friend at a café in the 100 block of Davie Street,
when a disgruntled former tenant walked up to him and shot him in the chest. Plainclothes
officers, Detective Constables Chris Berda and Glynis Griffiths were driving by when they
witnessed the shooting. They stopped their car and challenged the shooter, who began to fire at
them. The officers returned fire before the man turned and fled.
The shooter got on a bike and rode east along the sea wall toward Science World with the two
officers in pursuit. Detective Constable Griffiths commandeered a bike and rode after him, while
Detective Constable Berda jumped in a responding patrol car driven by Constable Chris Koch.
Other officers responded to Science World, effectively cutting off the shooter’s escape. When
Constables Josef Mancin and Nadia D’Andrea arrived at Science World, they placed their car
and themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. The shooter came around a corner and
immediately began firing into their police car, with Constable D’Andrea trapped inside. Her face
was covered with blood from the breaking glass and her co-workers initially feared the worst.
Mancin, D’Andrea, and Berda continued to exchange gunfire with the shooter, who had taken
cover behind a cement pillar. When he exposed himself and ran at officers, shooting directly at
Constable Mancin, officers shot him several times, wounding him but not stopping him. The
shooter kept coming, firing at Constable Terry Kondo. He returned fire, along with Constable
Koch, hitting and injuring the suspect, and stopping the threat.
For their quick-thinking actions and excellent decision-making, protecting civilians and their
fellow officers from injury, and bringing the shooting spree of a dangerous man to an end,
Detective Constables Chris Berda and Glynis Griffiths, and Constables Nadia D’Andrea, Chris
Koch, Terry Kondo, and Josef Mancin, are awarded the Vancouver Police Department’s highest
award for bravery, the Award of Valour.
INSPECTOR IAN UPTON
SERGEANT BARRY COOKE
CONSTABLE ZACHARY FEDORA
CONSTABLE TREVOR SKATES
CONSTABLE MICHELLE RAMTSCHAN
Racing toward a report of an armed suspect who has shot a man is serious enough, but
knowing your fellow officers pursuing the suspect are under fire adds another layer of urgency.
Constable Fedora was en route to Science World with his partner when they spotted a VPD
officer chasing a man who had just shot a local businessman sitting at an area coffee shop. The
officer jumped into their car and raced to Science World, setting up a containment spot to
prevent the shooter from escaping.
Other officers also responded to Science World, and arrived to the sound of gunfire. Constables
Trevor Skates and Michelle Rajtschan raced to the north side, protecting two citizens stuck
behind a boulder. Sergeant Barry Cooke provided safe passage for others before taking up
another containment position.
As students, teachers, staff and security took cover inside Science World the shooter continued
to fire at police just outside. Inspector Ian Upton arrived at the scene as officers returned fire,
injuring the suspect and bringing the shooting spree to an end. He quickly ensured the wellbeing of all the officers involved and began to secure the massive crime scene, laying the
groundwork for the investigative follow-up.
For coming together to protect innocent citizens and each other, at risk of serious injury or
death, and preventing a man intent on harming others from escaping, Inspector Ian Upton,
Sergeant Barry Cooke, and Constables Zachary Fedora, Trevor Skates and Michelle Rajtschan
are awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation.
PROJECT RALEIGH
Police investigators have a tremendous responsibility to do a thorough, meticulous job. Society
relies on them to ensure there is enough evidence to charge someone, to find justice for victims,
and to ensure dangerous criminals are removed from the community.
When a disgruntled tenant shot his former landlord outside a local coffee shop in broad daylight,
officers pursued him to the seawall outside Science World, where a gunfight ensued. The
shooter ended up injured and in hospital, and a group of exceptional investigators and civilians
came together to ensure he would ultimately end up in jail.
The investigation would take two years of diligent teamwork, working extensively with Crown
Counsel and the Independent Investigations Office, with each team member contributing their
area of specialty.
In October of 2016, the shooter pled guilty to three counts of attempted murder, recklessly
discharging a firearm and possession of a loaded restricted firearm. He was sentenced to 18
years.
For working tirelessly on a methodical and exhaustive investigation, resulting in justice not only
for the victim, but for their co-workers, the following people are awarded the Chief Constable’s
Citation: Inspector Laurence Rankin, Sergeant Kevin McLaren, Detective Constables Ryan
Campbell, Chris Cronmiller, Trevor Gow, and David Menzies, Constable Kelly Risebrough,
Forensic Video Analyst Christopher Stoddard, and Investigational Assistants Mei Au and
Barbara Brown.
SERGEANT CLIVE MILLIGAN
We’ve heard many times the definition of a police officer is someone who runs toward the
danger that everyone else is fleeing. On February 23, 2016, the danger that Sergeant Clive
Milligan rushed toward was a house engulfed in flames.
It was early in the morning when he spotted the smoke on his way in to work. When he arrived
in the 1300 block of East .28th Avenue, the fire department was not yet there.
Sergeant Milligan ran to the front door, encountering Agnes Penny Szekely and other
neighbours also coming to help. Together, they went into the house, banging on doors,
evacuating residents, one of whom was elderly.
The fire was raging at the back of the house, and upon learning there were other residents in
the basement, the duo turned their attention there. Finding the outside door blocked by fire, they
banged on windows to alert the occupants. Fearing they may be trapped inside, Sergeant
Milligan kicked out the glass in a window, cutting his leg in the process. Together, they smashed
in the security bars, and cleared glass shards from the window frame so he could climb inside.
Once inside, Sergeant Milligan forced open a door, the smoke so thick he had to hunch over,
but his search revealed no one. He exited the house, trying to recover his breath, when
someone in the crowd outside insisted that a boy was still trapped inside.
The sergeant grabbed a cloth to cover his face and went back into the basement. The smoke
and heat were so intense, he was now crawling on his belly. Moments later, overwhelmed and
exhausted, after pushing as far into the house as he could, he knew he had to get out. He
grabbed a young man who had followed him part way in to the house to assist, and helped him
to safety.
Within seconds, fire consumed the entire basement. Sergeant Milligan would later learn that the
boy believed to be in the basement had earlier escaped out a different window on the opposite
side of the house.
For having the courage and determination to run into a burning house, not once, but three
times, and risking his life to rescue the residents inside, Sergeant Clive Milligan is awarded the
Vancouver Police Department’s highest award for bravery, the Award of Valour.
SERGEANT LISA BYRNE
DETECTIVE CONSTABLE STEVE ADDISON
DETECTIVE CONSTABLE RICH KENT
DETECTIVE CONSTABLE GRAEME WELLS
ANALYST LINH RIDDICK
Violent stranger attacks are terrifying for the victims, and create fear in the entire community.
Between January and April of 2016, there were a series of blitz-style attacks where men
assaulted women from behind, seriously injuring some of them.
Project Shield began with four investigators and a crime analyst dedicated to finding out who
was committing the crimes in order to bring them to an end. This was a challenging task, as
none of the victims had seen their attacker well enough to help identify them.
Each team member contributed their specialty, collaborating with other agencies across Metro
Vancouver. For three months, the investigators were on call 24 hours a day.
Their exceptional skill, judgement, and dedication led to the identification and arrest of five
previously unknown sexual predators, who ultimately faced a total of 18 criminal charges. The
investigation also linked one of the predators to 22 additional previously unsolved crimes.
For dedicating themselves to a complex project involving multiple incidents in multiple
jurisdictions, and for removing five sexual predators from our streets, Sergeant Lisa Byrne, and
Detective Constables Steve Addison, Rich Kent, and Graeme Wells, and Analyst Linh Riddick
are awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation.
PROJECT SHIELD: ARRESTING OFFICERS
While making an arrest is a regular part of a police officer’s job, no two are ever the same, and
every police officer will tell you to always be prepared for the unexpected.
Early on the morning of April 9, 2016, the VPD received information that an extremely violent
suspect in a series of sexual assaults was hiding in a large construction site. Constable Sam
Primerano and his Police Service Dog Lupo searched the site, along with Sergeant Jeff
Neuman and Constable Bryan Spencer. Lupo quickly located the suspect.
The man bolted up a ladder. When he got to the top, he grabbed a rope hanging from a nearby
wall, wrapped it around his neck, and jumped. Constables Primerano and Spencer took hold of
his legs in an attempt to keep the rope from going taut, and Sergeant Neuman climbed the
ladder, racing to sever the rope. With the rope cut, the unconscious man fell to the ground into
a large pool of water. Officers pulled him from the water, and Constables Ryan Irving and Brent
Kazuta arrived to administer life-saving first aid. The man was revived, taken to hospital, and
then to jail.
Later the same morning, a woman called 9-1-1 to report someone had just tried to break in to
her home. Officers responded and were only a few blocks away when a second report came in,
this time for an attempted break-in and a sex assault.
While interviewing witnesses, Constables Kevin Yuen and Caleigh Gehl noticed a suspicious
man.
They yelled at him to stop, and a foot pursuit ensued. Acting Sergeant Roy Janzen followed in
his police car, catching up to the suspect, jumping out and tackling him. The man was later
linked to three other violent sex assaults and a break-in. Both men arrested were identified in
Project Shield, an investigation into a series of attacks on women.
For making two significant and challenging arrests in a series of violent sexual assaults, making
the community safer for everyone, the following officers are awarded the Chief Constable’s
Citation: Sergeant Jeff Neuman, Acting Sergeant Roy Janzen, and Constables Caleigh Gehl,
Ryan Irving, Brent Kazuta, Sam Primerano, Bryan Spencer and Kevin Yuen.
PROJECT SHIELD: SEX CRIMES UNIT
In any successful endeavour, you are likely to find people crucial to its success toiling away
quietly behind the scenes.
When Project Shield was launched in early 2016 to find those responsible for a series of violent
stranger attacks on women, project investigators knew they were going to need a lot of
resources.
The members of the VPD Sex Crimes Unit stepped up to the challenge. They managed and
coordinated files and staffing requests, and liaised with the forensic lab and the courts. They
investigated, analyzed, and assisted in any way required.
Faced with an unprecedented number of attacks, the Unit worked tirelessly to ensure the crimes
were thoroughly investigated, while staying on top of the many other cases in their already
heavy workloads.
For their dedication and hard work, supporting a project that saw the arrests of five sexual
predators, the following sworn and civilian members of the Sex Crimes Unit are awarded the
Chief Constable’s Citation: Inspector Suzanne Muir, Staff Sergeant Colleen Yee, Sergeants
Wayne Dore and Richard Rabinovitch, Detective Constables Joe Danieli, Revard Dufresne,
Michelle Grandbois, Darko Graorac, Robert Holland, Denise Kask, Claire McNeight, Aida
Rodriguez, Caroline Wigglesworth, and Alice Yee, Metro Vancouver Transit Police Detective
Constable John Marshall, Analyst Lindsey Boechler, and Investigational Assistant Angela Tang.
CONSTABLE DAYNE CAMPBELL
Cops for Cancer has always been a natural fit for police officers – whether you’re fighting crime
or fighting cancer, the end result is helping save lives.
This annual fundraiser began in 1997, with law enforcement and emergency personnel riders
raising money for children with cancer and their families.
Since 2009, Constable Campbell has been a Cops for Cancer rider, fundraiser, community
spokesperson, and for the last three years, a team captain. Every fall, he takes part in the Tour
de Coast, a 900-km, nine-day ride across the Lower Mainland and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
Constable Campbell has dedicated countless hours of personal time to this very important
cause, personally raising over $100,000, and arranging another $200,000 from corporate
sponsorships.
For his tireless and selfless effort, and for his enthusiastic leadership, which resulted in his team
raising $3,000,000 over eight years, Constable Dayne Campbell is awarded the Chief
Constable’s Commendation.
CONSTABLE CHRISTINE CHO
CONSTABLE TOMAS GRAHAM
The training to become a police officer is extensive and ongoing, but there are times an officer
has to rely on something from within – something that can’t be taught or learned; compassion
can be one of their greatest skills.
When Constables Christine Cho and Tomas Graham were called to an assault in the kitchen of
the May Wah Hotel in the early morning of October 10, 2015, they arrived to a very chaotic
scene. A woman had been stabbed multiple times in the face and neck, and her attacker had
fled.
Constable Cho took charge of the victim, trying to stop the flow of blood, comforting her, and
communicating with her in her own language to determine what happened.
Constable Graham secured the scene to ensure valuable evidence was not destroyed. He
identified potential witnesses, involving Constable Cho to translate when necessary. The vital
information he obtained in record speed would help him identify the suspect and result in
charges of attempted murder.
Constable Cho rode in the ambulance with the victim, assisting paramedics, and the two officers
continued to visit the victim in hospital as she recovered.
For keeping clear heads and communicating in a difficult situation, helping save the life of a
seriously injured woman and offering her compassion to help deal with her trauma, Constables
Christine Cho and Tomas Graham are awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation.
CONSTABLE PETER COLENUTT
CONSTABLE KAYLA PUGHE
When a police officer has to make a life or death decision in a matter of moments, they rely on
their experience and their training, but it’s instinct that ultimately guides them.
On June 1, 2016, Constables Peter Colenutt and Kayla Pughe were called to Stanley Park after
someone was spotted in obvious distress in the water. When they arrived, there was a crowd
gathered on the beach and they could see a man in the distance.
They quickly peeled off their heavy body armour and duty belts, and raced into the water. After
swimming 100 metres from shore, their uniform pants were heavy with water and weighing them
down. They were concerned the man might drag them down in his panic.
The officers managed to hold the man afloat until the VPD police boat arrived. Once he was
safely onboard the vessel, they swam back to shore.
For running into the water to save the life of a stranger, and putting themselves at risk of
drowning, Constables Peter Colenutt and Kayla Pughe are awarded the Chief Constable’s
Commendation.
CONSTABLE BRIAN EGGE
CONSTABLE RYAN SCHELLINCK
Police officers take risks every day, and while they are calculated and informed risks, they are
risks nonetheless.
When Constables Brian Egge and Ryan Schellinck were called to the 200 block of Princess
Street in the early afternoon of September 18, 2015, they arrived to find members of the public
giving first aid to a woman who lay mortally wounded on the ground.
The officers had all received reports that the woman had run from a building, screaming and
covered in blood, before she collapsed outside. They quickly identified the suspect as a resident
in the building the woman had fled from.
As the woman died on the sidewalk, the officers heard screams coming from inside the building.
Back-up had not yet arrived, but Constables Egge and Schellinck knew they had to act.
They followed a trail of blood to the third floor, and located the suspect in one of the rooms. He
was armed with a four-foot long broad sword, but surrendered to them without further incident.
For choosing public safety over personal safety, arresting an armed murderer and preventing
further death or injury, Constables Brian Egge and Ryan Schellinck are awarded the Chief
Constable’s Commendation.
BC MUNICIPAL UNDERCOVER PROGRAM
Undercover policing has been a hallmark of crime-fighting for a very long time, but it wasn’t until
the late 90s that formal training for undercover officers was introduced at the Justice Institute of
BC, an initiative led by Sergeant Scott McGregor of the Victoria Police Department.
In the early 2000’s, Sergeant Mike Serr and Detective Constable Mark Bragagnolo of the VPD
began coordinating requests for this specialized training for undercover officers from police
agencies in the Lower Mainland, and Sergeant McGregor did the same for Vancouver Island –
all in addition to their regular jobs.
By 2006, demand grew to a level they could no longer sustain, and the officers presented a
case to the BC Association of Chiefs of Police for two provincial undercover coordinators to
integrate undercover resources within BC.
Ten years later, the BC Municipal Undercover Program is one of the most successful and
recognized undercover programs in Canada, and a model for integrated units in the province.
Officers trained in the program have taken part in over 900 local, national, and international
operations, contributing to the convictions of murderers, fraudsters, drug traffickers, and many
others.
For having the vision, the leadership, and the expertise to develop and maintain a program
dedicated to catching criminals, while ensuring officer safety was a top priority, Vancouver
Police Sergeant Mike Serr, Victoria Police Sergeant Scott McGregor, and VPD Detective
Constable Mark Bragagnolo are awarded the Chief Constable’s Citation.
FORCE OPTIONS TRAINING UNIT
Every decision, reaction and tactic a police officer uses throughout their workday is a result of
their training and experience. It can literally mean the difference between life and death.
The members of the Force Options Training Unit take that responsibility very seriously. They
recognize their role is more than just physically and mentally preparing police officers to safely
and effectively do their jobs. Their research to determine best practices and the latest evidence
on use-of-force training, as well as new and emerging threats and the training needed to combat
them, is crucial to the outstanding and exceptional programming they deliver.
Force Options members teach methods and tactics that have stood the test of time, alongside
new and modern techniques; as policing evolves, they ensure training for VPD officers evolves
with it.
For being leaders in the field of officer safety and tactics training, collaborating to create
innovative, unique and critically important training, the following members of the Force Options
Training Unit are awarded the Chief Constable’s Citation: Inspector Rob Clarke, Staff Sergeant
Matt Kelly, Sergeants Toby Hinton, Clive Milligan, and Romolo Ranallo, and Constables Darren
Hall, John Irving, Jim Karabelas, Al Kussat, Aaron Olson, Dan Pain, John Stewart, and Paul
Suwek.
CONSTABLE DAVID GOODALL
CONSTABLE PATRICK MCEVOY
Despite the popular cliché that crime does not pay, there are instances where that has not been
the case. Police continue to work with legislators to ensure criminals do not profit from their
crimes.
Between 2013 and 2016, Constables Patrick McEvoy and David Goodall were assigned to
patrol the southeast area of Vancouver. Despite the heavy workload that VPD patrol officers
carry, this tenacious duo managed to deliver a significant blow to organized crime groups.
The officers led an investigation into three illegal marijuana grow-operations, liaising with
specialty squads, and collaborating with the BC Civil Forfeiture Office. Over $3,700,000 in
proceeds of crime and offence-related property was seized, including phones, jewellery,
vehicles, Canadian currency, and three houses.
For their dedication and diligence, which led to the shutdown of illegal grow-operations, and
increasing the safety of all of our neighbourhoods, Constables David Goodall and Patrick
McEvoy are awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation.
CONSTABLE TIMOTHY HAUSER
CONSTABLE CHRISTOPHER WOODS
Police officers will go to extraordinary lengths to help others – on land, by air, and even by sea.
Constables Timothy Hauser and Christopher Woods were working on bike patrol near English
Bay on the night of August 13, 2016, and were the first to arrive when police received reports of
a woman screaming in the water near the Inukshuk.
They found the woman’s mother on the beach, who told them her daughter, who suffered from
mental illness, had become upset and gone into the water.
The woman was just off shore, but as the officers tried to communicate with her, she began to
swim further away. They quickly removed their body armour, duty belts, and shoes, and entered
the water, swimming 30 metres from shore towards her.
The officers treaded water for 15 minutes as they built rapport with the woman and finally
convinced her to return to shore.
For entering the ocean in the dark of night to save the life of a distraught young woman, at great
personal risk, Constables Timothy Hauser and Christopher Woods are awarded the Chief
Constable’s Commendation.
CONSTABLE LEE MARTEN
The reality of policing is that you can be thrown from making patrols in the middle of a quiet
night and into a life or death situation in a heartbeat.
On January 3, 2015, that is exactly what happened to Constable Lee Marten when he
responded to a report of a suicidal woman.
As he arrived at the Commercial Drive overpass, Constable Marten could see the woman sitting
on the sidewalk. She spotted him and immediately ran to the railing, climbing over.
Constable Marten grabbed the woman, trying to hold on as she struggled to break free. She
was kicking her feet furiously as she dangled 100 feet above the railway tracks, and was
beginning to drag Constable Marten over the railing. Still, he did not let go.
As he was finally beginning to lose his grip, the woman’s boyfriend arrived, and the two of them
were able to pull her to safety.
For coming to the aid of a distraught woman and placing his life in jeopardy to save her from
serious injury or death, Constable Lee Marten is awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation.
CONSTABLE BRENNAN LOWRIE
CONSTABLE ROBERT MITCHELSON
Police work is often referred to as a calling versus a job, perhaps because at the end of the day
you don’t leave your work at the office. As a police officer, you are always on duty – even when
heading home after a long shift.
Late in the afternoon on January 22, 2016, Constables Robert Mitchelson and Brennan Lowrie
were leaving work when they passed the TD Bank in the 400 block of Main Street. Inside, they
noticed 15 to 20 people lying on the ground, and a man at the counter receiving money from a
teller.
The officers, in plainclothes and unarmed, knew they were witnessing a bank robbery. They
could not tell if the suspect was armed, but they knew it was imperative to stay out of sight if
they were going to avoid a potential hostage situation.
Constable Mitchelson was dialing 9-1-1 when the suspect suddenly came out of the bank.
Constable Lowrie struck the suspect, knocking him off balance, and a violent struggle ensued.
The two officers were able to gain control of the robber, and complete their 9-1-1 call for backup. The robber was identified as a high-risk offender and a federal parolee who was unlawfully
at large.
For putting the safety of citizens above their own and taking a dangerous criminal off the streets,
Constables Brennan Lowrie and Robert Mitchelson are awarded the Chief Constable’s
Commendation.
PROJECT TAINTED
When it comes to fighting crime, police officers are police officers – no matter the uniform.
When 20 overdoses were reported in a three-day period in October of 2014, the cause was
linked to the deadly drug fentanyl. A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is up to 100 times more toxic than
morphine, with devastating consequences.
The following week, Project Tainted was born with a goal to eliminate or reduce fentanyl
overdoses by disrupting its distribution in the Downtown Eastside. Reaching outside of
Vancouver’s boundaries, the VPD called on members from the RCMP Federal Serious and
Organized Crime Unit, as well as from the Burnaby RCMP’s Criminal Intelligence and Drug
Sections, who were quick to join forces.
Six months later, the project culminated in 120 officers executing 19 search warrants throughout
the Lower Mainland, which resulted in 11 people facing charges in more than 70 offences. Over
$250,000 cash, $1.2 million in assets, seven vehicles and four firearms were seized, along with
a large quantity of fentanyl, oxycontin, and cocaine. For their impact on public safety by
dismantling a sizeable and sophisticated drug distribution network, and embodying the very
definition of teamwork, the members of Project Tainted are awarded the Chief Constable’s
Citation.
VPD: Sergeant Mark Bragagnolo, Detective Constables Chris Atwell, Nathan Blondeau, Sharon
Hunter, Scott Hyde, Robert Jaberg, Dwain Mah, Constables Dennis Wong, Peter Alfred,
Michael Cheah, Christopher Glanville, Rebecca Hendriks, Steven Li, Jas Mander, Paul
McNamara, Simrit Roycombough, Analyst Ronel Samis, Investigational Assistant Andrew Fan,
Project Assistant Mark Langham, Project Assistant Heather Wilson
RCMP FEDERAL SERIOUS AND ORGANIZED CRIME: Constable Laura Nielson and
Constable Rosanna Pedulla
BURNABY RCMP CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE SECTION: Constable Gordon Derosa and
Corporal Dean Urquhart
BURNABY RCMP DRUG SECTION: Sergeant Scott Rintoul, Corporals Gregor Aitken, Stephen
Matheson, Constables David Callaghan, Mary-Anne Day, Kevin Frye, Aaron Greenhalgh, Colby
Hansen, Jennifer Heuft, Conway Hopkin, Elvis Musinovic, Kimberly Rutherford
CROWN COUNSEL: Mr. Oren Bick.
CONSTABLE CHRISTIAN OLVER
CONSTABLE RYAN WEBER
In all walks of life, there seem to be certain individuals who are more driven than the rest of us.
When two of these individuals partner together, the results can be staggering, and simply
deserve to be recognized.
Constables Christian Olver and Ryan Weber, former classmates in their police training, have
worked as partners for six years. Their co-workers and supervisors would use words like
diligent, hardworking, role models, and natural leaders to describe them.
Through the years, the duo has taken advantage of every training opportunity in their quest to
become highly skilled police officers. They have trained new recruits, and their high quality and
detailed police reports are now used as training examples.
But it’s the numbers that tell the real story. In the past three years, Constables Olver and
Weber have been dispatched to 30 per cent more calls than their fellow officers. They have
written double the number of reports, and the number of cases they investigated that resulted in
criminal charges was more than triple the average. In essence, it would take four officers to
replace them.
For their enthusiasm and hard work, for leading by example and becoming exceptional police
officers, Constable Christian Olver and Constable Ryan Weber are awarded the Chief
Constable’s Commendation.
CONSTABLE DALE QUIRING
Vancouver is a vibrant and diverse city, where every citizen deserves to feel equally valued and
protected by police. For some of our marginalized groups, that involves dialogue and better
understanding of personal experience.
The VPD has been working to build bridges with the LGBTQ2+ community for years, and
Constable Dale Quiring has made it his mission to carry the torch forward.
Working as the Hate Crimes investigator, Constable Quiring stepped up and took on the role of
LGBTQ2+ Liaison, setting up an advisory committee, which led to new VPD policy regarding the
transgender community. He worked with the community to create a heartfelt and illuminating
training video for front line officers called Walk With Me, to bring awareness and understanding
of the transgender community. The video has now been viewed and appreciated worldwide.
Constable Quiring next launched the Safe Place initiative, approaching Vancouver businesses,
organizations, and schools, to identify themselves as a place of refuge for people in the
LGBTQ2+ community who feel unsafe or who are victims of crime.
Constable Quiring has taken his message to social media, spreading empathy and compassion
one tweet at a time.
For his unwavering support of the LGBTQ2+ community, and ensuring their human rights,
voices, and concerns are not only heard but embraced, Constable Dale Quiring is awarded the
Chief Constable’s Commendation.
CONSTABLE RUDY SNICKARS
In any profession, there are people who are born for the job they have chosen; whether it is
personality, passion, or particular skills, they are perfectly suited to their work.
Constable Rudy Snickars is that person. In his 12 years on the job, he has become one of the
VPD’s leading advocates for people living with mental illness. His superior communication skills,
creative problem-solving, and calm demeanor are essential to his success working with this
challenging and marginalized segment of society.
Working in the VPD’s Mental Health Unit since 2012, as an original member of the Assertive
Community Treatment Team and recently moving to Car 87, Constable Snickars is well-liked
and respected by everyone he works with – from clients, to fellow VPD officers, to mental health
workers in the community.
Constable Snickars handles some of the most challenging, violent, and high-risk clients with
mental health and addiction issues. He is often called on to share his expertise with his coworkers, as well as with police from other communities.
For his unique combination of expertise and compassion, and for making a difference in the
lives of people living with mental illness, Constable Rudy Snickars is awarded the Chief
Constable’s Commendation.
PROJECT TROOPER
Teamwork is a necessary part of policing, and nowhere is that more evident than when a group
of officers and civilian staff come together in a large project.
Project Trooper was a seven-month investigation, which began in September 2014, and
targeted an organized crime group responsible for trafficking narcotics in the Lower Mainland. It
became the largest investigation in the VPD Organized Crime Section’s history.
The investigation would lead to the execution of 14 search warrants, which was a coordinated
effort within the VPD and with several outside police agencies. Charges were recommended for
11 people for drugs trafficking and firearms offences.
Officers recovered fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. They seized 12 firearms,
including handguns, shotguns, assault rifles, a submachine gun, and a large cache of
ammunition. Over half a million in cash and eight vehicles were also seized, and $4 million in
property is being recommended for seizure by the BC Civil Forfeiture office and is still before the
courts.
For taking part in a large-scale investigation resulting in a significant seizure of dangerous drugs
and weapons, and for increasing safety for people across the Lower Mainland, the sworn and
civilian members of Project Trooper are awarded the Chief Constable’s Citation:
Inspector Mike Serr, Sergeants Roy Bertolo, Matt Clarke,Bill Spearn, Detective Constables
Melissa Apcar, Phil Battista, Warren Demoskoff, Antonio Fiorda, Courtney Frail, Troy Griffiths,
Brodie Haupt, Derek Hill, Lisa Kinney, Tanya Leboutillier, Tara Munro, Ed Russell, Dwain
Mah, Andrew Pope, Scott Rollins, Frank Romeo, Timothy Russell, Sukh Sangha, Matt
Smart, Brad Stephen, Wayne Thompson, Les Weeks, Christopher Wong, Carla Young,
Constable Ryan Gray (Abbotsford PD), Analyst Lindsey Boechler, Analyst Ronel Samis,
Investigational Assistant Andrew Fan, and Project Assistant Mark Langham.
PROJECT VAMOOSE
Information and evidence are the driving factors behind every successful investigation. The
tiniest clue at a crime scene can crack a case wide open, even if that clue is a small piece of
plastic left behind after a hit and run collision.
Early one morning in November 2012, a young woman was walking home after visiting her
family when she was struck by a speeding car. The driver of the car did not stop and left her for
dead. A passing motorist found the unconscious young woman in the middle of the road and
called 9-1-1.
Collision investigators Constables Decker Allen and Adam MacGregor took the lead in what
would turn out to be a 15-month long investigation. Pieces of the car left behind at the scene led
them to a suspect, and while they could prove which vehicle was involved, they did not have
enough evidence to put their suspect behind the wheel.
This is when Traffic Inspector Les Yeo joined in the pursuit of justice for the young woman, who
had suffered life-altering injuries. Using his experience with complex investigations, Inspector
Yeo launched a project with the BC Municipal Undercover Program.
Undercover officers developed intricate and elaborate scenarios which played on the suspect’s
desire for money, power and success. These scenarios led to the suspect’s confession, which,
combined with the results from the investigation, led to criminal charges for failing to stop at an
accident scene.
For their persistent pursuit of a suspect and for working together, VPD Inspector Les Yeo, and
Constables Decker Allen and Adam MacGregor are awarded the Chief Constable’s Citation.
CONSTABLE BYRON TAGUIAM
CONSTABLE ANNEMARIE UNHEIM
There is satisfaction in arresting someone who feels the law doesn’t apply to them – particularly
with a chronic offender, whose crimes can affect so many.
Constables Byron Taguiam and Annemarie Unheim were working the streets of the Downtown
Eastside in January of 2015, when they received information from one of their sources. A wellknown criminal had set up shop in an area hotel room, and was believed to be selling drugs and
fencing stolen property.
The officers began by setting up surveillance and getting the evidence needed to secure a
search warrant. They worked with other units, coordinated surveillance, and assisted the
Emergency Response Team with vital information.
The search warrant led to the seizure of a significant quantity of drugs, weapons, stolen
property, and currency, as well as the arrest of the chronic offender and two of his partners-incrime. Working closely with a special prosecutor, the officers’ assistance contributed to the
volume of charges, and to the ringleader pleading guilty to most of them, including charges of
drug trafficking.
For their tenacious pursuit of a suspected serial criminal, and their attention to investigative
detail, Constables Byron Taguiam and Annemarie Unheim are awarded the Chief Constable’s
Commendation.
SERGEANT MARK WOODRIDGE
When most people think of important police work, they tend to think of daring rescues, arrested
criminals, and undercover investigations. But there is a lot of very important work that goes on
behind the scenes that has a direct and substantial effect on officer and public safety.
Statistical data is often overlooked as to its critical importance in solving crime and increasing
officer and public safety across Canada. Many day-to-day and long-term policing strategies, as
well as new legislation and processes, rely on this type of data to make effective and
responsible decisions. Sergeant Mark Wooldridge became concerned when some of the data
front line officers use to make critical decisions was found to be inconsistent and potentially
unreliable.
To address this issue, Sergeant Wooldridge, together with Statistics Canada Canadian Centre
for Justice Statistics (CCJS), developed an objective scoring process, which produces
consistent and accurate information across all agencies and jurisdictions.This process has now
been acknowledged as a best practice by Statistics Canada and is being recommended as a
national standard by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
For outstanding skill and dedication, and providing a solution to a long-standing challenge in the
Canadian policing community, Sergeant Mark Wooldridge is awarded the Chief Constable’s
Commendation.
SERGEANT DAVE VAN PATTEN
Policing is a profession where officers sometimes have to be creative with long term solutions to
a critical need.
Back in 2011, Sergeant Dave Van Patten wanted to ensure that police officers could receive
lifesaving medical care in incidents where it was too dangerous for Emergency Health Services
paramedics and firefighters to assist. His vision was to create a VPD Tactical Emergency
Medical Program, in which highly trained officers from the Emergency Response Team would
deliver this care.
It would take years to resolve the many legal, financial, training, equipment, and staffing issues
for the program. Finally, in 2015, Sergeant Van Patten led a team of Emergency Response
Team members with no medical background through a challenging training course, resulting in
them all qualifying as Tactical Emergency Medical Section medics.
Now fully operational and equipped, this team can provide lifesaving care while under fire and in
other dangerous situations.
For identifying an emergency response need, and having foresight and determination to create
a potentially life-saving solution, Sergeant Dave Van Patten is awarded the Chief Constable’s
Commendation.
CONSTABLE BARB BATES
CONSTABLE DAVE JAKEWAY
Anyone who’s been a parent knows it’s a difficult job, but imagine parenting 100 kids.
The VPD Cadet Program, a partnership between the VPD, the Vancouver Police Foundation,
the City of Vancouver, and the Province of BC, was developed two years ago to provide
mentorship and support for Vancouver teens in a critical phase of their development.
Constables Barb Bates and Dave Jakeway are the operational leaders of this very successful
program, which seeks to maximize the life potential of the cadets by instilling important life skills
in a fun and engaging way. They have created an inclusive and safe space for them to learn
and grow.
Their work extends far beyond the workday, as they ensure the cadets have the support and
encouragement they need. Constables Bates and Jakeway make every cadet feel like a
valuable member of the VPD family and the community beyond.
For preparing the next generation to enter adulthood and become happy and contributing
citizens, and for making a difference in each and every one of the VPD Cadets’ lives,
Constables Barb Bates and Dave Jakeway are awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation.
2016 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Since its inception in 1987, Vancouver Police Department members have annually recognized
one of their own as “Police Officer of the Year.”
In spring each year, VPD members are invited to nominate fellow officers whom they think
exemplify excellence at work, outstanding service to the community, and demonstrated
leadership.
CONSTABLE MARK TASAKA
At age 40, Constable Mark Tasaka came to policing later in life, following careers as a teacher
and as a commercial fisherman. His life experience, combined with a desire to make a
difference and help others, have set him apart as an exemplary officer.
As a natural leader, Constable Tasaka’s hard work and dedication have earned him the respect
of his co-workers. He is a coach and mentor, and is considered one of the top field trainers for
new recruits.
Mark is known as a skilled investigator and crime-fighter who quickly recognizes criminals, their
associates, and their trends. He has a reputation for piecing together evidence and proactively
launching successful investigations.
Perhaps his greatest strength is his ability to build bridges. Mark collaborates with other officers,
specialty sections, and outside agencies. He reaches out to junior members and shares his
knowledge and experience. He connects with victims and witnesses in the crimes he
investigates. His compassion and consideration for everyone he encounters is commendable.
After almost 16 years of working on patrol, in surveillance, and as a detective, Mark will tell you
his favourite part of the job is interacting with people in the community.
Constable Mark Tasaka is a dedicated and passionate police officer. His natural policing
instincts and generosity with his support, knowledge, and experience exemplify excellence
within the VPD. For providing outstanding service to the community, Constable Mark Tasaka is
the 2016 Police Officer of the Year.
2016 CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
For the first year, the VPD is also recognizing an exceptional civilian member as our Civilian
Employee of the Year. The recipient has shown excellence at work, including respect,
inclusiveness and collaboration, as well as demonstrated leadership.
LINH RIDDICK
As police work and technology evolve, civilian specialists are becoming more and more vital to
the business of catching criminals.
Linh Riddick has worked as a crime analyst with the Vancouver Police Department for five
years. What she has accomplished in this relatively short period of time is impressive.
As a crime analyst with the Sex Crimes Unit, Linh has participated in multiple projects and
investigations involving violent sex crimes, often handling disturbing content, and with numerous
successes in identifying suspects. As an innovative thinker and problem-solver, Linh has not
only used her skills within the technological framework of complex investigations, she has
created new crime-fighting analytical systems to combat violent crime of all types. The
templates she has developed have reduced the time of some analysis from weeks to less than a
minute.
Linh has represented the Department locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally,
showing the VPD as a leader in innovative police techniques and strategies. She generously
shares her expertise, and provides guidance, training, and coaching for less experienced and
prospective analysts, and collaborates with other agencies.
For her exceptional work ethic, and her contribution to bringing violent criminals to justice and
making the city of Vancouver safer for all, Linh Riddick is the Vancouver Police Department
2016 Civilian Employee of the Year.