SURREY/DELTA — Two local police officers have received a prestigious award from the governor general for their service.
Surrey's top cop, Chief Supt. Bill Fordy, and Delta Deputy Chief Const. Lyle Beaudoin each received the Order of Merit of the Police Forces medal in Ottawa on Tuesday from Governor General David Johnston.
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts said Fordy's "superior police work and contributions to the community have been exemplary" throughout "his long and distinguished career.
"His leadership, commitment and progressive approach to policing have enhanced the safety and security of our residents," Watts added. His award, she said, "is well-deserved and it acknowledges the significant contributions he has made to the people of Surrey."
Delta Police Chief Jim Cessford said it's an honour for a one of the members of the municipality's police force to be recognized nationally.
"It speaks to Deputy Chief Beaudoin's commitment to public safety and the community of Delta," Cessford said. "Deputy Chief Beadoin continues to serve Delta with the same energy and enthusiasm as when he first started with the department."
Beaudoin joined the Delta Police at age 19, in 1978. He became deputy chief in 2004.
Fordy has been in charge of the Surrey RCMP, Canada's largest RCMP detachment, since 2012.
The Order of Merit was established in 2000 to recognize leadership and exceptional service from police officers as well as their commitment to Canada.
Neil Dubord, who became chief officer of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police in 2012, also received the Order of Merit medal.
"We congratulate him on the receipt of this well-deserved honour," said Transit Police spokeswoman Anne Drennan. "With his innovative approaches to policing, his establishment of key priorities for officers policing the transit system, his tireless efforts to engage and communicate with the community and his ability to successfully connect with the members of his police service, Chief Dubord has established the Metro Vancouver Police as a leader among major transit policing organizations."
Dubord joined the Transit Police after serving 25 years with the Edmonton Police.
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