SURREY — Surrey RCMP's two "Police Officer of the Year" award winners work in the detachment's Special Victims Unit.
Sergeant Lyndsay O'Ruaric, named officer of the year as nominated by the community, was recognized for her "commitment to the long term-care and support of vulnerable children who have experienced trauma."
Constable Chris Jones was named officer of the year, as nominated by his colleagues, for his "passion for justice and genuine care for the vulnerable and exploited."
Other award winners include Auxiliary Constable Mark Elson (Auxiliary Constable of the Year), Jody Nelson (Municipal Employee of the Year), D'Arcy Nelson (Volunteer of the Year), the Priority Target Offender Unit (Arnold Silzer Community Policing Initiative Award), Domestic Violence Unit (Police Team Award), and Sophie's Place Child Advocacy Centre (Police and Business Partnership Award).
Assistant Commissioner Bill Fordy, Lower Mainland district commander for the RCMP, thanked the Surrey Board of Trade for hosting the awards program for the past 20 years.
"The strong partnership that exists between the police and the local business community here is evident," he said.
Anita Huberman, chief executive officer of the SBT, said the board celebrates the RCMP's work "because they do excellent work in ensuring the safety of our city and our business.
"Their jobs are not easy," she said. "Their innovation, work ethic and cross-collaboration make the Surrey RCMP leaders in Canada. In this 20th anniversary, the Surrey Board of Trade is proud to celebrate the Surrey RCMP in this unique event in Canada."
tom.zytaruk@thenownewspaper.com