Attorney General Andrew Swan is honouring six police officers who are being given awards for exceptional dedication in helping to make Manitoba a better place to live.

 

“Police officers serve and protect our communities on the job every day of the year and it’s a commitment that doesn’t end when the work day is over,” said Swan. “I am proud to recognize the dedication and accomplishments of the individuals receiving the Excellence in Law Enforcement awards today.”

 

Nominees considered for the award have made significant contributions to their community, their police service or to law enforcement. This year’s recipients will be:

·         Staff Sgt. Wayne B. Balcaen, who has been with the Brandon Police Service since 1990 and has volunteered hundreds of hours of his time on a wide range of community and charitable causes. They include serving on the board of the United Way in Brandon, delivering Christmas hampers, canvassing for the Canadian Cancer Society, working on the Salvation Army kettle drive and volunteering with numerous programs through Green Acres School.

·         Inspector Ian Robert Grant, of the Brandon Police Service (BPS), who has strengthened ties between the community and those who enforce the law. In total, he has been in policing for 28 years, making significant contributions with the BPS that include strategic planning, joint forces and crime prevention initiatives, along with a host of off-the-job charitable and volunteer commitments.

·         Sgt. Darrall Randy Kotchon, who has been with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) for 23 years. He has been deeply involved in providing police assistance with at-risk youth programming and in community policing initiatives including developing the WPS graffiti program and other programs to combat workplace violence and identity theft. 

·         Sgt. Guy K. Roberts, who has helped make school a safer, better place to be as Brandon’s first school resource officer. Violent incidents, suspensions, drug use and alcohol use have all dropped in and around Neelin High School. Beyond patrolling the hallways and giving presentations, Roberts co-chaired the Suicide Prevention Implementation Network and helped youth appreciate the consequences of drinking and driving through a mock crash event.