SURREY — Surrey's "Police officer of the Year" — the both of them — have been revealed.
Sergeant Michael Sanchez was named officer of the year, as nominated by his peers, and Insp. Ghalib Bhayani was also named officer of the year, as nominated by the community.
Sanchez, in charge of Surrey detachment's general duty "A" watch, was recognized "for his innovative and collaborative approach" in policing the city centre and Bhayani was recognized for "inspiration and dedication."
The winners were revealed at the Surrey Board of Trade's 19th annual Police Officer of the Year Awards at the Sheraton hotel in Guildford.
Constables Carl Garlinski and Ryan Camping won the Arnold Silzer Community Policing Initiative Award; the Police Team Award went to the Crime Reduction Unit — South Team; and Ken Merrells was named Auxiliary Constable of the Year.
The Municipal Employee of the Year Award went to Marnie Neal; Roger Reid was named Volunteer of the Year; and the Surrey Crime Prevention Society won the Police and Business Partnership Award.
Chief Supt. Bill Fordy noted that the business community "clearly recognizes the value that results when the police and the public work together towards achieving a common goal of crime reduction and prevention."
tom.zytaruk@thenownewspaper.com