WATCH (above): Vancouver police were handing out medals of bravery at their annual awards ceremony. The event recognizes the courage of civilians and police officers who have put their lives on the line to help others. Jill Bennett reports.
Today is one of Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu’s favourite days.
It’s the day Vancouver Police Board handed out their medals of bravery, which recognize the courage of civilians and police officers who have put their lives on the line to help others, in their annual awards ceremony.
Chu says it a great day because people tend to get swept up in negative stories and with the awards, it’s a time to look back and say thank you.
Some of the Certificates of Merit, which are the highest awards of civilian bravery, were handed out to people who had been featured on Global News. Two Good Samaritans who helped a woman after she was stabbed at a 7-11 in downtown Vancouver in March 2013, where honoured with certificates.
Also several residents in a West End apartment building, who in 2013 helped police subdue a man that went on a rampage with a knife and hammer in their complex, were recipients of the award.
Not only do the awards recognize civilians but also police officers, who demonstrate extreme bravery and going beyond the call.
“On a continual basis I hear stories about heroism, bravery, innovation and about dedication — especially when they solve a long cold case,” Chu said at the ceremony that took place at the Roundhouse Community Centre in Yaletown.
“I also hear examples of extraordinary community engagement. Over and above that I hear stories about civilians, who not only step forward to help police officers in time of crisis but also to help other citizens who are in great danger, and they put their own safety on the line to help those citizens.”
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