PORT MOODY – On November 22, 2018, two members of the Port Moody Police Department and their families attended the Police Honours Night ceremony in Victoria, B.C. These two officers were recognized by the Lieutenant Governor for their incredible acts of bravery and valour in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

Police Honours Night is an annual occasion whereupon the Lieutenant Governor and the Solicitor General recognize individual police officers within the province who have performed an exemplary service for their community.

The honourees are selected by a committee comprising of members of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Policing and Security Programs Branch. There are two types of awards presented, Valorous and Meritorious Service, with the deserving recipients receiving a provincial medal and a ribbon.

Constable Dan Di Paola was presented with an award for Valorous Service. This is considered to be the highest award for a police officer in British Columbia. It involves an act of exceptional valour in the face of extreme hazard. It is awarded to police officers who have taken action and placed themselves at substantial risk of serious injury or death for the benefit of others.

In September 2015, in Burnaby, an armed individual using a bayonet-mounted rifle, shot and killed a male inside a residence. After attempts to negotiate, members of the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, including Constable Di Paola entered the home and confronted the suspect. The suspect did not survive the encounter.

Constable Jason Maschke was presented with an award for Meritorious Service. This award is for exemplary performance which enhances the image of police officers in British Columbia. It is awarded to officers who have clearly demonstrated that they have acted in a manner significantly beyond the standard normally expected.

In November 2016 while off duty in Pitt Meadows, Constable Maschke encountered a very serious collision and performed valiant efforts to extricate a trapped occupant and attempted to save the occupant’s life.

The Port Moody Police Department proudly acknowledges the courage, calm leadership, and heroic actions of both Constable Dan DiPaola and Constable Jason Maschke. We congratulate them for their much deserved awards.