RCMP honours bravery, dedication, long service at awards

Photo: RCMP

The B.C. RCMP's Southeast District honoured some of its finest on Thursday.

The district's top brass presented long-service medals, special awards, and commendations to more than 40 officers, civilian members, and public service employees.

Four officers received the Commanding Officer Commendation:

Kelowna RCMP Sgt. Mark Booth received the commendation for his devotion to road safety and for achieving Alexa Team all star status for removing a staggering 378 impaired drivers from our roads between 2008 and 2017.

Const. Gary McLaughlin of North Okanagan Traffic Services received the commendation for the impact he has had on youth in Lumby. For two years, he took the lead and volunteered to organize and facilitate the RCMP READS Program, which is designed to reduce crime through increased engagement with youth and police.

Const. Erica Rast of Kelowna received the commendation for her outstanding service with Project E-Punctuate, the unsolved homicide investigation into the murder of Joshua Bowe in November 2010, in Mission. After reviewing a formidable amount of file material and drafting a series of 25 comprehensive judicial authorizations in the complex case, Rast’s dedication contributed to the convictions of the two accused.

Kelowna Const. Russell Reeder was commended for his role in the apprehension of an emotionally disturbed suicidal man. Reeder attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the man picked up a pair of scissors and attacked him, attempting to stab Reeder in the face. Reeder deployed pepper spray, but the man stabbed the pepper spray can, adding to confusion at the scene. Despite the man continuing to resist, Reeder was able to take control and secure the man without further injury.

Members of RCMP and BC Conservation Service who risked their lives to combat the Alpha Mountain Fire in Ashcroft received the 2017 Wildfire Recognition Award. Despite learning that his own house had been engulfed in the fire, Const. Theoret ensured the evacuation of the Boston Flats Trailer Park.

Eight officers and staff of the Federal Serious and Organized Crime group involved in Project E-Predicate received the Program Officer’s Commendation. Project E-Predicate was an investigation that spanned over two years, crossing international borders with investigators conducted undercover operations in the United States, Mexico and Panama which resulted in charges against two senior Hells Angels members and six others across B.C. for drug trafficking. 

Sgt. Ken Johnston was the primary investigator in that project, and was presented with the Commissioner’s Commendation. 

The Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal was awarded to Cpl. Mitch Mercier, who was deployed to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012, were he worked as a mentor and advisor for the New Zealand army and police force at their headquarters.

Sgt. Chris Newel of the Kimberley detachment was recognized for outstanding community engagement and his promotion of community safety in implementing a foot patrol program. 

Seventeen recipients were also recognized for meritorious service, having served for 20, 25, 30, and in some cases 35 years.