In a ceremony at the Hume Hotel on May 4, the Nelson Police Department presented awards to its members and to members of the public.
Chief Constable’s Commendation of Valour: Const. Alain Therrien for bravery, good judgement and valour. In a shooting incident at Argenta, Therrien assisted a wounded RCMP officer to safety while there were still shots being fired.
Chief Constable’s Commendation: Const. Shawn Zukowski for demonstrating, over the course of a single investigation, operation, or incident, exceptional skill, judgment, dedication, or integrity in the performance of duty. Zukowski is the department’s beat officer on the downtown streets of Nelson.
Nelson Police Board Commendation: Stephen Fowler, Neil Pretty, Shazad Shah and Niomi Starpires for willingness to take lifesaving action. The four assisted and protected the victim in an unprovoked and violent knife attack on Baker Street in 2019.
Nelson Police Board Commendation: Kyle Chernenkoff for willingness to take lifesaving action. Chernenkoff administered CPR to a man who had been assaulted on Baker Street, prolonging the man’s life long enough for his family to see him and for the victim to fulfill his wishes of becoming an organ donor.
Long Service Award: Const. Lisa Schmidtke, for loyal and exemplary service to law enforcement. Recipients must have completed 20 years of full-time service with one or more recognized Canadian police forces.
Alexa Awards: Const. Lisa Schmidtke, Const. Alain Therrien, and Const. Drew Hildred for their work in reducing the number of drivers affected by alcohol or drugs on B.C.’s roads.
Deputy Chief Constable’s Commendation: Staff Sgt. Brian Weber, Sgt. Dan Markevich, Const. Lisa Schmidtke, Const. Adam Sutherland and Const. Rob Armstrong, for outstanding performance in relation to a single investigation, operation, or incident where there was minimal to moderate risk or exposure to danger.
Nelson Police Board Certificate of Appreciation: Retired Const. Bill Andreaschuk, who was an RCMP member from 1974 to 1999 and an NPD member from 2000 to 2016. He organized and ran the NPD fishing derby over many years, with proceeds donated to community organizations, and volunteered his time to raise thousands of dollars for the Kokanee Creek Interpretive Centre, with proceeds to various youth programs.
Nelson Police Board Certificate of Appreciation: Western Auto Wreckers and the Scanlon family for commitment to community. Western Auto Wreckers, the family business of Clint and Corey Scanlon, has been operating for over 50 years serving Nelson and the Nelson Police Department.
Retirement: Bruce Fuhr, Terry Kidd, Jarrett Slomba, Brant Stewart, and Fred Thomson.
Newest members welcome: Const. Dan Van Huis, Const. Kristen Young, and Const. Mathieu Nolet.