Media Release- The PMPD's "Evening of Excellence" Awards Ceremony

DATE: February 21, 2019

SUBJECT: Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony

PORT MOODY: On February 7, 2019, the Port Moody Police Department held their annual “Evening of Excellence” Commendation and Awards Ceremony at the Port Moody City Hall.

The Evening of Excellence ceremony is an opportunity to honour the sworn and civilian members of the PMPD for going above and beyond the call of duty in keeping our community safe, and to pay tribute to volunteers and recent retirees with presentations of Exemplary Service Medals, Commendations, and Service Certificates.

Nominated by their peers, the award recipients are carefully reviewed by a Commendation Review Board comprised of several senior police management, before the final selections are made.

In all, 15 police officers, 37 civilian volunteers, eight Youth Leaders, Community Partners, and a Port Moody citizen were recognized for their outstanding and exemplary contributions to the police department and our community.

The commendations awarded included: Chief Constable Commendation(s), Inspectors Commendation(s), Exemplary Service Medal(s), and an opportunity to honour recently retired employees.

The Department bid farewell to retired civilian employee, Stephanie Marshall, as well as retired Staff Sergeant; Rod Arruda.

Two officers, Cst Ryan Buhrig and Cst Curtis Knoblauch, each received Inspector’s Commendations for their efforts in the combined recovery of over $280,000 in fraudulent funds from two separate incidents. Each of the officers investigated similar, but unrelated wire-transfer type frauds, and they were instrumental in the reversal of funds.

Port Moody Police Inspector Manj Kaila received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for developing a method or program that significantly improved the operation of the department as a whole. Inspector Kaila had been instrumental in creating, improving and adapting a wide variety of unique processes and projects to meet the ever-changing needs of the police department.

Acting Sergeant Brian Wong, Constable Ricardo Kuipers, Constable Doug Riley, and Constable Vincent Traietti received Inspector’s Commendations for their quick thinking and exemplary actions in response to a serious domestic assault investigation.

The Rotary Club of Port Moody received the Chief Constable’s Letter of Commendation, for their outstanding contribution to the Community Services Section.

In 2018, the Rotary Club provided a significant grant, which allowed for the purchase of a Crime Prevention trailer. This “Mobile Command Centre,” to which it’s referred, has been fully outfitted with exciting and educational community outreach equipment, video monitors, and interactive police memorabilia. It can be quickly adapted to display specific safety campaigns or crime prevention initiatives.

Chief Constable Dave Fleugel was elated with the ceremony. He was quoted as saying, “It’s always a privilege to recognize the contributions of our award recipients. The dedication and commitment to excellence by every person here tonight is nothing short of amazing. On behalf of the department, the Police Board, and our entire community, I’d like thank and congratulate all of this this year’s recipients.”

Notably, Chief Fleugel himself received formal recognition as well. Mayor Rob Vagramov, on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, presented him with the prestigious “Appointment of Commissioned Officer”. The Commissioned Officers Award is a provincial honour, formally recognizing high-calibre senior officers for their rank, professionalism, and dedication to policing in British Columbia.