Vernon’s top cop recognized for leadership on opioid crisis

VERNON – Before Supt. Shawna Baher was appointed commander of the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP detachment she worked in Surrey, one of the many communities in B.C. hit hard by the fentanyl crisis.

Baher received the award for meritorious service at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on Nov. 22, recognition for her leadership on the opioid crisis while working at the Surrey RCMP detachment, according to an RCMP media release.

She ensured all RCMP officer were authorized and trained to carry Naloxone, the drug that blocks the effects of opioids like fentanyl during an overdose, the release says.

Representatives from the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s police service division make the selections for the award.

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