One of two Lower Mainland police officers injured in a hit-and-run in Burnaby on Monday has been released from hospital and is now recovering at home.
The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) has identified the officer as Cpl. Aaron Courtney, a 15-year member of the force and a 10-year-member of the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Services Unit.
WATCH: From the archives: Cpl. Aaron Courtney saves lives of accident victims
Decorated officer
Courtney has been honoured for his bravery on several occasions, including receiving the Medal of Bravery from the Governor General in 2010 for his actions in helping pull a father and daughter from a fiery crash in 2007.
In 2017, he was commended with the provincial Award of Meritorious Service for negotiating the surrender of a suspect dangerously driving a stolen vehicle in an urban area.
And in 2016, Courteny was awarded the APD’s Chief Constable’s Commendation for a call with his dog PSD Koda in which they rescued a woman from the Fraser River in 2014.
Hit-and-run
Courtney was one of two officers injured when a white Toyota Camry, which had previously fled the Burnaby RCMP amid suspicion its driver was impaired, slammed into a police vehicle in the 5000-block of North Fraser Way where officers were training their dogs.
Witnesses at the scene say one of the officers was thrown 15 feet in the air.
Initial reports from paramedics had suggested both men were in critical condition. The other officer, an RCMP member, remains in hospital with serious injuries.
“It’s going to be a long road, he has extensive injuries,” said Burnaby RCMP Cpl. Michael Kalanj.
“He is recovering, and it’s going to be a long recovery. I can tell you that much.”
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On Monday, police recovered the damaged suspect vehicle several blocks from where the collision took place. According to police the vehicle was reported stolen, and its driver remains at large.
Kalanj said police are still looking to collect video evidence from businesses and dash cam video from drivers shot in the area of North Fraser Way and Glenlynon Parkway between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP.
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