The Southeast District of the RCMP held an awards ceremony in 麻豆精选 on Thursday, Oct. 19 to recognize officers, civilians, and public service employees.
Dignitaries including the Southeast District RCMP Commander and Chief Superintendent Brad Haugli and Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald gathered to recognize and present various medals and special awards as this was the first time the event had been held since 2019.
In total, 67 people received awards for noteworthy service to the RCMP and their country, with 18 of them being recognized for their longevity after serving for 20, 25, and more than 30 years. Included in that group was Penticton RCMP Sgt. Andrew Baylis for this 20 years of service.
Baylis, along with Const. Nicholas Forget, Const. Rebecca Frazier, Const. Darrell Miller, Cpl. Kyle Richmond, S/Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck, Cpl. Sean Hall, Cpl. Heather Bradshaw, and municipal employees Joanne Borba, Justin Hazard, and Holly Brazzale were awarded the Commanding Officer鈥檚 Unit Commendation for their role in arresting a man that was carrying a rifle and shot and killed four people back on April 15, 2019 in Penticton.
Const. Kris Reinburg, civilian Daniel Dao, and many Salmon Arm residents were awarded the Commanding Officer Certificate of Appreciation for their roles in emergency situations.
While off-duty in Kamloops on Sept. 18, 2021, Reinburg witnessed a man suffering from a mental health crisis who was threatening to jump off the outside balcony. While calling on-duty RCMP units, Reinburg was able to de-escalate the situation, convincing the man to climb back onto the right side of the balcony, where officers could further help the man.
Dao assisted an officer rescuing an unconscious driver from a vehicle crash on Oct. 29, 2021. The officer he helped, Const. Chursinoff, also received the award.
Salmon Arm residents Mr. Will Samis and Mrs. Sherryl Reed as well as Shirley Deglan, Paul Derkach, Cpl. Jaimie Leverrier, and Mr. Parmenter played vital roles in April 2019 when an armed arm shot the priest and parishioners inside a church. During the chaotic scene, Samis and Reed, members of the congregation, remained calm and provided first-aid to those who needed it.
Const. Derek Ballarin received the Commanding Officer鈥檚 Commendation award who saving a drowning toddler while off-duty in Naramata. From a distance, he observed the toddler running along a dock and fell into the water. Ballarin ran into the water and brought the toddler to shore.
Additionally, Golden RCMP officer Const. Amber Brunner was awarded the Commissioner鈥檚 Commendation for Bravery, for protecting civilians from becoming victims. In 2016, Brunner was shot by a suspect who was attempting to flee from the police.
鈥淥fficers who put on the RCMP uniform each day are aware of the risks they may face. However, the feeling of duty is a deep calling for many, and not simply a role they perform,鈥� says Cpl. James Grandy, RCMP spokesperson. 鈥淭his ceremony highlighted many incredible acts of dedication and bravery, which was important for the public to learn about鈥�.
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