FIRST responders from across British Columbia gathered over the weekend to celebrate First Responders Gala and Awards a formal evening dedicated to honouring the police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and healthcare professionals who serve British Columbia’s communities.
The event was hosted by the Dwivedi Foundation which also witnessed 13 first responders being honoured with recognition in their area of duty. The Gala also witnessed the celebration of 140th birthday of the Vancouver Police Department by the guests attending the event.
Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia through a televised address thanked the Dwivedi Foundation for recognising the first responders.
“This organisation means a great deal to me. Everyday our police officers, firefighters, paramedics and health care professionals answer calls which most of us can barely imagine. You run into danger, bring calm to chaos, come for strangers and sometimes you carry those moments home. No uniform makes that burden easier to carry. We ask for the first responders to be strong for us, but courage should never mean suffering in silence. If we ask you to be there on the worst day of our lives. We must be there on the hardest days of yours. That this is why the Dwivedi Foundation matters. The Foundation advocates for those living with PTSD honours fallen officers and their families and provides scholarship for young people. Tonight, I want to say something simple but deeply important. We see your service, recognise your sacrifice and we are profoundly grateful,” Cocchia said.
Built around the Foundation’s core values of ‘Honour, Service, and Courage,’ the evening recognized 13 individuals for their exceptional contributions to public safety and community wellbeing.
The evening drew elected officials from across the political spectrum, underscoring the broad, non-partisan support first responders enjoy across British Columbia.
Guests and award presenters included Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal, Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, Senator Baltej Dhillon, MLA Amna Shah, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions. Also in attendance were MLA Garry Begg Parliamentary Secretary for Surrey Infrastructure and MLA Bryan Tepper.
Dwivedi Foundation’s Vice President Communications Ashwant Dwivedi said that the first responders represent the very best of community spirit.
“Whether they are responding to an emergency, supporting someone in crisis, or simply being there when they are needed, their commitment makes a lasting difference. Tonight, we come together to say thank you and to ensure their stories are heard and celebrated. The awards tonight are more than trophies or titles. They represent moments of bravery, compassion, leadership and service that deserve to be recognised. Each recipient has made a meaningful contribution, and we are proud to shine a spotlight on their work,” he said.
Shanjeelin Dwivedi, Vice President of the Dwivedi Foundation, said that behind every first responder is a network of family, friends and colleagues who understand the sacrifices that come with this profession.
“We celebrate not only the individual’s receiving recognition, but everyone who supports them and stands beside them,” she said.
Award recipients were from the province’s police, fire, paramedic, and medical communities. Honourees were recognized across categories including the Leadership and Service Award, Legacy of Service Award, Mental Health Leadership Award, Rising Star Award, and Community Champion Award, reflecting achievements ranging from decades of frontline service to innovative community outreach and mental health advocacy within first responder ranks.
“This evening exists to say thank you to the people who show up for our communities on their best days and their very worst,” said Anish Dwivedi, President of the Dwivedi Foundation. “Each of tonight’s honourees represents the very best of what it means to serve.”
The gala drew overwhelming community support a reflection of the strength of public appreciation for first responders across the region. The Foundation thanked all who expressed interest in attending and noted its commitment to expanding capacity for future events.
The First Responders Gala and Awards Recipients’ 2026:
* Leadership and Service Award: Sgt. Tyler Ennis, Surrey Police
* Leadership in Policing Award: Sgt. Sukh Basi, Police Officer
* Rising Star Award: Constable Ashley Bains, Abbotsford Police
* Legacy of Service Award: Dr. Hulbert Paul, Physician
* Excellence in Collaborative Policing Award: Sgt. Paul Walker, Abbotsford Police
* Above and Beyond Award: Nikolaos Pardalis, Primary Care Paramedic, B.C.
* Above and Beyond Award: Saverio Lattanzio, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
* Legacy of Service in Policing Award: Staff-Sgt. Terry Parmar, Vancouver Police Department
* Community Champion Award: Colby Dodd, Fire Fighter
* Leadership in Community Policing Award: Sgt. Ryan Gray, Abbotsford Police
* Legacy of Service Award: Dr. Rhonda Michelle Janzen, General Surgeon, BC
* Mental Health Leadership Award: Constable Steven Bentley, Delta Police
* Rising Star Award: Ms. Alicia Pastro, Abbotsford Police Department
