An officer with BC Highway Patrol Parksville was recognized with an award of meritorious service at the 40th annual Police Honours Night.
Sgt. Robert Haney was awarded for "selfless and courageous actions in a situation of extremely high risk, in order to protect the public and other police officers," according to a news release from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“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, in the release. “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."
Over two nights at Government House, Begg presented awards to 241 officers of all ranks from municipal departments and the RCMP for extraordinary bravery in life-saving incidents, their devotion above and beyond the call of duty and their never-ending work to make communities safer.
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.
In addition, 89 officers 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.
This year’s Police Honours night recognized members from 2023 and 2024.
Representatives from the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police, the BC Association of Municipal Chiefs of Police, the RCMP and the ministry’s Policing and Security Branch comprise a committee that selected the recipients.
