CORRECTIONS Exemplary Service Medals, which recognize two decades or more of exceptionally commendable service, represent the most prestigious national decoration for professionals in the sector, including correctional centre and probation office staff.
And Narinder Serown of Kamloops Community Corrections was one of 17 public safety leaders who received the award from Janet Austin, B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor at a ceremony at Government House.
“These skilled and compassionate professionals really are unsung heroes of public safety,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Helping clients to gain insights into their offending behaviours, to build life and career skills, and to get the supports they need to live crime-free in the community, are just some of the ways these staff foster profound, personal changes that make B.C.’s streets safer for all of us.”
The Corrections Exemplary Service Medal marks 20 years; the Corrections Exemplary Service First Bar, 30 years. This year, 14 B.C. Corrections staff received the medal and three received the first bar.
For 35 years, the Governor General of Canada, through B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor, has awarded the medals and bars to deserving corrections staff upon recommendation from B.C. Corrections.
Narinder Serown’s citation reads:
Narninder has clearly demonstrated exemplary performance and continues to be an excellent example for aspiring probation officers and public servants.
His career has spanned 26 years in both custody and community settings. Narinder worked as a youth corrections officer at High Valley Youth Detention Centre from 1992 to 2004. When the centre closed, Narinder transferred to Kamloops Community Corrections after a brief placement as an employment assistance worker. As a probation officer, Narinder was able to demonstrate his professionalism and leadership skills.
Narinder has consistently demonstrated, good judgment and dependability in varying situations. Other staff look to him as a role model. In 2012, Narinder’s leadership skills were further recognized when he won the position of senior probation officer in Kamloops. He is a well-regarded senior probation officer.
Narinder has worked extensively with clients with mental health needs. He has worked as part of an inter-agency collaborative project to better address the needs of this unique client group. Narinder’s ability to work collaboratively, share ideas and understand the objectives of multiple agencies has benefitted his clients and his work unit.
In his non-work time, Narinder completed his Master’s Degree in Educational Counselling at Thompson Rivers University in 2013. He is an accredited counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.
First and foremost, Narinder is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife Gulwant are regularly travelling all over BC to support their two sons, Bhavin and Bavraj’s, aspiring hockey careers.
