Surrey Police Service recognizes officers and civilians

OVER the past year, there has been considerable work done by Surrey Police Service (SPS) staff in furthering the development of SPS, keeping Surrey residents safe, and supporting the community.

SPS recently recognized 16 individuals and two units for their outstanding work with a Commendation or Certificate of Appreciation. Five officers were also recognized for reaching 20 or 30 years of service in policing.

“As we continue to mark the important milestones in building a community-based policing service for Surrey, it is equally important that we acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of our people,” said Chief Constable Norm Lipinski on Monday.

“We are committed to fully supporting our employees – from state-of-the-art training, to supporting their mental well-being, to recognizing the great work they do.”

Eight SPS officers were acknowledged for lifesaving measures. In each of these situations, the potential loss of life was significant, if not for the quick intervention by these officers.

  • Constable Madison Ford, Constable Brad Reeves, Constable Michael Mallais, Constable Vince Neudorf, and Constable Chris Brewer were recognized for rendering lifesaving first aid during three priority calls that involved violent attacks where the victims were suffering from significant blood loss. Mallais was also recognized with a second award for jumping into action while off duty at a movie theatre when a patron went into medical distress.
  • Constable Michael Haveman, Constable Jacques Melanson, and another SPS member were recognized for assisting distraught individuals on two different files and getting them to safety.

Detective Constable Sonu Parhar was acknowledged for the significant role he played in obtaining the confession of a suspect who was involved in multiple violent attacks in Surrey.

Three officers and two civilian employees were recognized for their extensive contributions to the local community and the policing community.

  • Constable Jeremy Pearce was acknowledged for his long-standing involvement with the Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley and Special Olympics.
  • SPS Sergeant Mike Grandia and Ottawa Police civilian, Jessica Ripley, were recognized for creating the Canadian Police for Youth Network, which unites policing staff across Canada in their efforts to support youth.
  • Sergeant Jag Khosa was acknowledged for his extensive engagement with community members to introduce them to SPS, and to educate youth and parents on the realities of gang life.
  • Civilian employee, Lisa Eason, was acknowledged for building the strategic communications at SPS. Her leadership in internal and external communications has helped guide senior leadership through this process.

SPS also recognized two units and their respective leaders for their outstanding efforts in building and developing the training that provides the foundation for SPS to be innovative and community focused.

  • Inspector Scott Maglio and members of the Operational Skills Unit were recognized for developing and operationalizing comprehensive training for new and experienced police officers using best practices and advanced equipment and technology.
  • Staff Sergeant Kelly Wong was recognized along with her Leadership Development Unit for building and delivering the training curriculum and the online platform required to train and prepare large groups of new SPS sworn and civilian staff for their respective roles and future career development.

The 2022 awards presented by Surrey Police Service celebrate the achievements of sworn and civilian employees who have truly gone above and beyond in their efforts to build a brand-new policing service, and to enhance the profession of policing.