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Surrey's finest recognized

Both civilians and police honoured for their extraordinary efforts to keep the city safe.
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A/Commr. Norm Lipinski (left) and C/Supt. Bill Fordy (right) with Mr. Umad Cheema who was recognized for his efforts in helping police identify and arrest a hit and run driver who struck and killed a pedestrian.

A taxi driver who tracked down a hit and run suspect and police officers who disarmed a man at a Surrey laundromat were some of the people recognized at by the Surrey RCMP this week.

On Wednesday night at the Surrey Arts Centre, the Mounties held the RCMP Officer in Charge Awards for those who went beyond the call in their duties, both as police officer and civilians.

At about 9:30 p.m. on May 18, 2011, Umad Cheema was driving his cab in South Surrey when heard of a hit and run that killed a pedestrian. Two hours later, Cheema was called to pick up a couple at a local store.

It became apparent from their conversation that they were involved in the incident.

He dropped them off at their destination, called 9-1-1, and stayed to ensure the suspects didn't leave.

Based on his actions, arrests were made, and the man was convicted for dangerous driving causing death and the woman was charged for Obstruction of a Police Investigation.

"Mr. Cheema acted above and beyond his civic duty, providing outstanding service to the community which resulted in convictions and a degree of closure for the victim’s family," Chief Supt. Bill Fordy said at the ceremony. "His actions bring credit to him and are in keeping with the highest standards of a Canadian citizen."

Others included police officers Constables Brian Pierschke and Constable Octavio Rego who disarmed a knife-wieldling man in a laundromat on June 10, 2012.

Pierschke arrived to find the suspect threatening and lunging at patrons while he was wielding the knife.

Pierschke managed to place himself between the suspect and patrons allowing them to leave to safety.

Rego entered at the suspect dropped to his knees but still refused to drop the knife.

Rego delpoyed his Taser, causing the man to fall to the floor.

Over 70 awards were presented to officers, support staff, and civilians for their efforts.

"Every year this ceremony recognizes men and women from our community who went above and beyond the call of duty," Fordy said in a release Thursday. "This event also provides us with an opportunity to highlight the dedication and sometimes heroism displayed by both police officers and residents from the City of Surrey."

Other people and groups being recognized for excellence include:

Cst. Marc Daigle, Cpl. Tyner Gillies, Cst. Andre Johnny, Cpl. Jeff Milliard, Cst. Ian Robertson

For their outstanding actions in apprehending an armed male wanted for attempted murder, firearms and other offences on January 27, 2012, at Surrey, B.C.

Cst. Chad Bignold, Cst. Stephen Large, Cpl. James McDonald

For their outstanding efforts in apprehending a suicidal woman who was armed with a knife and threatening harm to herself, police and others on August 22, 2012, at Surrey, B. C.

Surrey RCMP Drug Section and Surrey Crown Counsel (Mr. John Walker)

For their outstanding actions during the investigation of high-level drug and weapons traffickers, which began in 2006 at Surrey, British Columbia.

Cst. Jesse Byer, Cst. Simon Forshaw

For their outstanding service in the apprehension of a mentally disturbed man threatening police and patrons of the Newton Wave Pool Centre on August 22, 2012, at Surrey, British Columbia.

Cpl. Scott Bressette, Cst. Natalie Dosange, Cst. Leanne Krauss, Cpl. Heather Matthew, Cpl. Katharine Chong, Sgt. Scott Macrosson

For their outstanding efforts which contributed to the conviction of a serial sexual offender.

Cpl. YJ Leboulch, Cpl. Lyndsay O`Ruairc, Cst. Janice Roberts, Sgt. Tyler Svendson

For their outstanding service during an investigation which resulted in the conviction of an internationally operating serial child sex offender.

Cst. Leanne Krauss, Cst. Lyndsay O`Ruairc, Sgt. Darren Schneider, Cst. Jennifer Gibo, Sgt. Gregory Leong and Surrey Crown Counsel (Mr. Keith Bolland, Mr. Andrew MacDonald, Ms. Jean MacDonald, Mr. Don Wilson)

For their outstanding service during the investigation of a vicious assault which occurred December 17, 2011, at Surrey, British Columbia.

Surrey RCMP Drug Section and Crime Analyst

For their outstanding service during ‘Project Enutria,’ the investigation of a drug trafficking ring.

Ms. Judy Mann, Insp. Janis Gray, Ms. Judy Krawchuk

For their outstanding contributions to the creation and opening of a Child Protection Centre in Surrey, British Columbia, in February, 2012.

Cst. Yannick Dupuis, Cst. Rob Dyck, Cpl. Deri Kinsey

For their outstanding service in the apprehension of a suicidal man who was armed with a shotgun and knife on December 31, 2012, at Surrey, British Columbia.

Cst. Elie Mohsen

For his outstanding actions at a motor vehicle crash on November 13, 2012, in Surrey, B. C.

Cst. Jessica Andrew

For her outstanding service with the RCMP Lower Mainland Youth Academy at Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre, Lindell Beach, British Columbia, from 2007 through 2012.

Cst. Neil Body, Cpl. Neil Kennedy, Cst. Jane Stewart, Cpl. Markus Muntener, Sergeant Jack Raffle, Cst. Paul Jones

For their outstanding service in the conduct of a robbery investigation which began on June 7, 2012, at Surrey, British Columbia.

 

Officers recognized for achievement include:

Cst John Cosmidis, Cst. Shawn Courtorielle, Cst. Leanne Dunlop, Cst Alice Fox, Cpl. Anita Furlan, Cst. Theresa Gajecki, Cst. Sue Harvey, Mr. Mark Greenfield, Cst. Constance Henderson, Cst. Cheryl Letkeman, Cst. Tad Milmine, Cst. Russel Olsen, Ms. Cheryl Pain, Ms. Leann Parker, Sgt. Jolaine Percival, Cst. Michelle Phaneuf, Cst. Kelly Power, Cpl. Kory Power, Cpl. Robert Ploughman, Cpl. Craig Rempel, Ms. Dawn Roberts, Ms. Maya Simbul, Mr. Jason Thorne, Mr. Norm Torp, Aux Cst. Gordon Wilson

For their contributions to the 2012 production of the RCMP video, “It Gets Better.”

Surrey RCMP Drug Section, Gang Enforcement Team, and Criminal Intelligence Section

For their professional expertise in an investigation at Surrey, B.C. which resulted in the seizure and forfeiture to the Crown of $282,860 as proceeds of crime.

Cst. Darryl Hofsink

For his professional performance in the investigation of an attempted murder on January 23, 2012, at Surrey, British Columbia.

Cst. Kevin Lewis

For his professional performance in the investigation of a motor vehicle crash on August 6, 2012 in Surrey, British Columbia.