Three civilians and two officers were honoured Wednesday at the first Ridge Meadows RCMP Awards and Recognition night.
The events, at The ACT in Maple Ridge, also recognized other RCMP officers, as well as auxiliary constables, volunteers, and civilian staff for their efforts at maintaining public safety.
Recipients were presented with long-service medals, and certificates of recognition for significant contributions to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
"We, as the police realize, we cannot do it alone," said RCMP Supt. Dave Walsh. "We rely on the great partnerships and excellent citizens of our community to be effective."
Chris Morrison, a civilian, was recognized for his "selfless act" of assisting Const. Brent Robertson in arresting a violent man who assaulted his ex-wife and was attempting to evade arrest. Morrison went into a water filled ditch in Pitt Meadows to help Const. Robertson make the arrest.
Another certificate of appreciation was made to RCMP Consts. Ian Sneddon and Michael Moore for their efforts in rescuing an emotionally disturbed man on the Golden Ears Bridge. The police officers used ladders to get to the man, and brought bring him back to safety.
Two tug boat operators were also honoured for assisting police stop a theft two 5,000 gallon fuel tanks on the Fraser River. The captain and his crew mate picked up police from shore, then safely secured the potentially explosive tanks to the tugboat. They were able to safely tow them to shore, helping police get the stolen property back to its owners.
"It is an honor to have given well deserved recognition to those members and staff who have gone the extra mile on their investigations, projects and programs, but it is even more impressive to honor those who have demonstrated bravery and courage to move towards danger and then take action, especially our citizens, who are not paid or trained, but do so out of a strong sense of community spirit," Supt. Walsh said.
"It takes a special type of courage and an unshakeable sense of right and wrong. It’s the type of bravery and commitment that may be difficult to describe, but we all recognize it when we see it," he added.
"It is not the material things that we get out of life that are important, but what we do that forms who we become and what we contribute. That gives true meaning to our lives."