On April 24, Sunshine Coast RCMP Const. Joshua Jewett, along with 240 other men and women of law enforcement, were recognized for acts of bravery and dedication.
The awards were part of a two-night event at Government House, Victoria, and were presented by the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Garry Begg, “to officers of all ranks from municipal departments and the RCMP for their extraordinary bravery in life-saving incidents, their devotion above and beyond the call of duty and their never-ending work to make communities safer in British Columbia,” said the release.
Const. Jewet was awarded for “Placing their own life at risk, while responding to a call of a male making threats outside a local housing facility.”
The release explained that the award of valour is the highest award for a police officer in B.C.
It is awarded to police officers who purposely acted for the benefit of others, while knowingly placing themselves at substantial risk of death or serious injury. “These officers exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, to save or protect others from harm,” said the release.
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.
89 officers were also feted with honours for meritorious service and “exemplary” performance. The release said, “It is awarded to police officers who clearly demonstrated that they acted in a manner significantly beyond the call of duty.”
"Police officers throughout the province, from our largest cities to remote villages and Indigenous communities, have adapted to dynamic work environments to keep people safe from harm," said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General in the release. "Every day, these dedicated individuals courageously uphold public safety, sometimes putting their lives at risk so the rest of us can live in peace. I'm honoured to have had the privilege to recognize these brave officers serving in police departments in B.C. On behalf of all British Columbians, thank you for your service."
"It has been a true privilege to hear the stories of those being honoured over the past two nights," said Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Lt. Gov. of British Columbia. "They have demonstrated true courage and resourcefulness, often at the risk of their own safety, in the line of duty and beyond. I want to share my thanks to them, and to all who support them for their dedication and their service to the Province of British Columbia."
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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