Officers Honoured For Bravery, Saving Lives

RCMP dignitaries gathered in Kelowna today to present service medals and special awards to over 35 police officers, civilian member employees and public service employees.

The Acting Commanding Officer of the RCMP in B.C., Assistant Commissioner Steven Thatcher, and the District Commander of the RCMP in Southeast B.C., Chief Superintendent Brad Haugli, were on hand for the ceremony.

Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Kent Hall accepted the St. John Life Saving Award after he applied a tourniquet to a severe leg wound of a 68 year old German tourist who was hit by a motorcycle in 2017.

“The 68-year-old man was visiting Canada from Germany when he was struck by a motorbike while attempting to cross a busy multi-lane highway in West Kelowna. The tourist, who ultimately survived, sustained serious bodily injuries and was suffering from severe life threatening blood loss,” says a RCMP news release.

Cst. Ewan Dewolf, now a member of the Kelowna RCMP, was awarded a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for his bravery in his response to a report of shots fired and an active shooter situation while he served at the Sunshine Coast RCMP Detachment.

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“Cst. Dewolf participated in negotiation attempts with the distraught male suspect, who posed a significant threat to himself, police and the general public. No other persons were injured when police had to discharge their firearms in order to take the suspect into police custody. The man was later convicted of attempted murder with a firearm, among other criminal charges.”

Cst. Eva Harding, a member of the Kootenay Boundary Regional RCMP Detachment, was recognized for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the health and safety of her co-workers, after she discovered a potential workplace hazard. As a result of her actions, Cst. Harding discovered unacceptable levels of carbon monoxide leaking into the interiors of certain models of Ford Explorers, that ultimately placed police officers at risk of increased health concerns. Her work triggered a warranty repair from the manufacturer.

Cst. Kevin Gien and Cst. Sarah Van Wilgen-Burg each received a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for working together to save another man’s life. The officers found the male unconscious, during an apparent attempt to take his own life. They provided first aid to the man and monitored his condition while they awaited the assistance of emergency paramedics.

Chase RCMP Public Service Employees, Maureen MacDonald and Brandi Nakazawa were each recognized for their volunteer efforts and support of the Chase Hamper Society and the Toy Shoppe.

Long Service Awards for 20, 25, 30 & 35 years of meritorious service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the St. John Ambulance Life Saving Award, the Commanding Officer’s Commendation and the Commissioner’s Commendation.