B.C. police officers honoured for courage, commitment to public safety

Police officers from around the province have been recognized for their bravery and dedication at the 38th annual Police Honours Night in Victoria, including several from Kamloops, Ashcroft and Salmon Arm.

In total, 114 law enforcement members were recognized from all ranks from various municipal departments and the RCMP for their bravery in life-saving incidents, according to a B.C. government media release.

“Those recognized tonight have demonstrated exemplary courage and conviction,” Lt. Gov. Janet Austin says in the release. “It is an honour to hear the stories of these brave men and women who serve British Columbians often at the risk of their own lives.”

In all, 30 officers received the Award of Valour which is the highest award for a police officer in the province. In addition, 84 officers were feted with honours for meritorious service, recognizing exemplary performance that answered the call to service in exceptional ways.

The following officers received awards of valour:

Ashcroft RCMP detachment:

Const. Daniel Caston (Central Interior Traffic Services)
Const. Cortney Hodges
Const. Lee Taylor
Const. Nicholas Theoret

The constables rescued several motorists who were trapped by several landslides along Highway 99.

Kamloops RCMP detachment:

Cpl. Terry Harink (retired)

While off duty, he pursued an armed and violent suspect who had assaulted two neighbours.

Const. Robert Isles constructed a mechanical screener suitable for large and complex excavation while stationed at the Salmon Arm RCMP detachment for which he was honoured for his meritorious service. Isles is now with the Vernon-North Okanagan Detachment.

The honourees were selected by a committee of representatives from the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Police Services Division.

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