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VicPD honours seven citizens for their courage and dedication

Civic Service Awards presented at ceremony in Hall of Honour
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Seven citizens were honoured with VicPD Civic Service Awards Tuesday in a ceremony in VicPD’s Hall of Honour. (Photo VicPD)

Seven citizens were honoured with VicPD Civic Service Awards Tuesday in recognition of their courage and dedication.

“All 7 of you have been nominated for making a decision to act in the interest of your communities,” Chief Del Manak told the awardees during a ceremony in VicPD’s Hall of Honour. “You stepped up and took decisive action to help someone in medical distress, protect a fellow co-worker, and assist VicPD officers, which in turn helps protect us all. You stood up for what is right and good and honourable.”

The VicPD Civic Service Award was created in 2012 as a way to recognize community members who have stepped up and done the right thing.

Brad Erickson discovered a woman in medical distress at his place of work. Erickson provided CPR to the woman, and once first responders arrived, continued to provide information to investigating officers and supported his staff. VicPD recognized Erickson for his role in that incident.

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Archie Acosta, Brandon Racine, and Simarjit Singh were all recognized for assisting in the arrest of a violent suspect who fought with police after a short foot chase. One of the officers received non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, yet the three continued to assist and kept the gathering crowd safe. The suspect was charged in the incident and the officer recovered from her injuries.

Shane Craven was recognized for his role in coming to the aid of a coworker who was suddenly attacked by an armed, masked assailant. Craven intervened and, with the help of coworker Paul Salopree, was able to halt the attack, detain the suspect, and keep others safe. The officers who nominated the men for the Civic Service Award remarked on the courage and awareness they displayed.

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Phil Ruskowski was recognized not for an individual act, but for 18 years of services as a mechanic and vehicle safety inspector. He has provided the Victoria Police Department with post-collision mechanical inspections of vehicles, and with an average of 10 per year he has completed nearly 180 vehicle inspections during the 18 years. Ruskowski has also testified as an expert witness in both Provincial Court and the BC Supreme Court. His expertise has been vital to police collision investigations.

The VicPD Civic Service Awardees names will be added alongside others recognized for courage, bravery and selfless service in our Hall of Honour.


 
keri.coles@blackpress.ca

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