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New Westminster – The New Westminster Police would like to congratulate four of its own who received awards at the 2013 Police Honours Night held last night in Victoria. Accompanied by Chief Constable Dave Jones, Constable’s Cliff Kusch, Nick Ferguson, Ryan Long and Darryl Pakosh each received the Meritorious Service Award for their actions as members of the NWPD.
On September 28th, 2011, NWPD members were called to an apartment building for a report of a female armed with a knife chasing the building manager. Upon arrival the female was located; however she was non-compliant and refused to drop the two knives in her possession. Constables Pakosh and Ferguson both deployed Conducted Energy Weapons in an attempt to bring the female under control; however, this was ineffective. The female then threw one of the knives at the responding members narrowly missing them. Constable Kusch was then able to fire several rounds from his Less Lethal Arwen gun, one of which knocked the remaining knife out of the female’s hand, allowing for the female to be taken into custody without serious injury, either to herself or the members in attendance. For their actions, all three members received the Meritorious Service Award.
On March 15th, 2013 Constable Long responded to the Queensborough Bridge for a report of a suicidal male. Constable Long noted the male to be in a precarious position, made even more dangerous by the inclement weather conditions. As Constable Long approached to engage him in conversation, the male lost his balance and began to fall from the bridge. Constable Long was able to grab the male by his clothing, prevent him from falling, and pulling him back onto the bridge, no doubt saving his life. For his actions during this event, Constable Long also received the Meritorious Service Award.
“I am extremely proud of the professionalism and bravery displayed by each of these officers,” said Chief Constable Dave Jones. “Their selfless actions highlight our commitment to providing the highest level of policing service to the citizens of New Westminster and the general public we serve every day.”
From left to right, Cst. Ryan Long, Cst. Cliff Kusch, Chief Constable Dave Jones, Constable Daryl Pakosh, Cst. Nick Ferguson.
Backgrounder – Police Honours Night
Police Honours Night commenced in 1981 and provides an annual occasion for the Province to recognize members of the RCMP and Municipal police services who have performed an exemplary service to the citizens of British Columbia. The honourees are selected by a committee comprised of representatives from the BC Association of Chiefs of Police and the Policing and Security Programs Branch, Ministry of Justice. Police Honours Night is hosted by the Lieutenant Governor at Government House in Victoria.
This year Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon and Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton presented awards to 82 outstanding officers in a ceremony marking BC’s 33rd annual Police Honours Night.
Valorous Service
This award is the highest award for a police officer in British Columbia and involves an act of exceptional valour in the face of extreme hazard. It is awarded to police officers who purposely took action for the benefit of others while knowing that, in doing so, they placed themselves at substantial risk of death or serious injury.
Meritorious Service
This award if for exemplary performance that enhances the image of police officers in British Columbia. It is awarded to police officers who clearly demonstrated that they acted in a manner significantly beyond the standard normally expected.
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