Mounties honoured for service, sacrifice

Forty Southeast District RCMP officers were recognized for their years of service and outstanding work with the RCMP in Kelowna on Thursday.

Officers were awarded for working with the RCMP for 20, 25, 30 and 35 years.

“I’m always humbled by ceremonies of this nature,” said district commander Chief Supt. Brad Haugli. “They provide me cause to stop and reflect upon the commitment and dedication of our members.”

Haugli highlighted the sacrifices made by RCMP officers and the toll it can take, including the tragedies witnessed, the criticisms and the time spent away from family.

“These things bond us (and) provide us common ground, regardless of our rank or unit, division or posting,” he said. “It is important that we take time to acknowledge that commitment, and it is fitting that we do so in the presence of family and friends, to whom we owe so much for their unwavering support.”

Special awards were also given out to officers for risking their lives to save another person, bravery and more.

Several civilians also received awards, including Barry Savitskoff with Grand Forks Search and Rescue.

Insp. Paul MacDougall received an award for 25 years of service. MacDougall has been with the Kelowna RCMP since 2016.

“There’s a lot of time and effort and dedication to the work we do and the various communities that we serve in,” he said. “All of our employees spend a great deal of time missing holidays and family events and working nights and weekends and dealing with people when it may be the worst day of their life, so it’s nice the force actually recognizes that and it’s not just something that is taken lightly.”