Kathy Michaels

Black Press

Two Kelowna Mounties, including a Vernon native, were given the highest award for B.C. policing at a recent ceremony.

At B.C.’s 35th annual Police Honours Night, Lieutenant Governor Judith  Guichon and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton presented awards of valour to Sergeant Jeff Meyers, who’s currently with Federal Serious and Organized Crime, and Const. Greg Barnard, a graduate of Fulton Secondary, for their efforts to save an area resident.

The award of valour is the highest award for a B.C. police officer and represents their decision to place themselves at substantial personal risk to save others.

In the case of the two Kelowna Mounties, they put themselves at risk in the process of saving a suicidal woman who was dangling from a fourth-floor balcony.

In all, 22 officers received the award of valour, while 44 others were awarded meritorious service honours, which recognize  exemplary performance that exceeds expectations.

“These awards are our way of taking time to honour outstanding leadership and bravery, and to acknowledge those who have raised the  public safety benchmark in ways that further public support for – and confidence in – all of our police officers,” said Anton.

“These 66 individuals epitomize what makes the uniforms they wear and the badges they carry  enduring symbols of aid in any circumstance. With their continued  efforts to make communities safer, we will help ensure that criminals find no safe haven in British Columbia.”

Police Honours Night recognizes members of independent municipal police forces, the RCMP, and First Nations and transit police services who have acted in an exemplary manner.

In all, more than 9,000 members of these services deliver policing throughout B.C.