November 18, 2011
TWO OF RIDGE MEADOWS’ FINEST HONOURED

MAPLE RIDGE – Two former Ridge Meadows police officers were honoured for their bravery and exemplary service last night at B.C.’s 31st annual Police Honours Night by Lieutenant Governor Steven Point and Solicitor General Shirley Bond.

Staff Sergeant Steve Crawford was presented with an award for assisting a woman being held at knifepoint and confronting the armed suspect while off duty.

Staff Sergeant Rob Lemon was presented with an award for taking control of a serious motor vehicle incident which killed two people and injured several others.

Province-wide, 69 officers are receiving awards:
• 43 for meritorious service, which involves actions above the call of duty that enhance the image of policing in B.C.
• 22 for valorous service – that is, exemplary service in the face of extreme hazard and personal risk.
• One retired RCMP deputy commissioner and three retired chief constables, for outstanding service.
• The two Ridge Meadows RCMP officers awarded last night were awarded for their service in Maple-Ridge-Pitt Meadows, but have since relocated and are currently stationed in Burnaby.                                     

Quotes:
 “These two officers showed true courage and selflessness in coming to the aid of citizens in need. I’m very pleased to see them honoured for their bravery; it shows why we are so fortunate to have police officers of their calibre serving our community.”
-Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton

Quick Facts:
• Police Honours commenced in 1981 and provides an annual occasion for the Province to recognize members of the RCMP and independent police services who have performed an exemplary service to the citizens of British Columbia.
• The honorees are selected by a committee of representatives from the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the ministry’s Police Services Division.
• Approximately 9,000 members of RCMP, independent municipal, First Nations and transit police services deliver policing across British Columbia.

Learn More:
Police Services Division website: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/police_services/index.htm

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