A West Vancouver police officer has been given an Award of Meritorious Service for his “outstanding commitment and dedication to policing.”
Const. Jeff Palmer received the award Nov. 22 at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria.
The award, presented by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin and Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth, honoured Palmer for his work in building relationships within the community, particularly in building stronger police relationships with local First Nations.
As a former member of the Integrated First Nations Unit, Palmer started holding community safety briefings in conjunction with elders’ luncheons, as well as encouraging relationships between elders and youth in Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh communities.
Palmer has also worked on learning the Squamish language, regularly attends Squamish Nation community events and has offered support to families in times of need.
Other work recognized by the award included Palmer’s efforts to initiate the West Vancouver Police Toy Drive, which later became the annual West Vancouver Emergency Services Gift Drive to support the North Shore Family Services Christmas Bureau, and work with schools and the emergency management office on school lockdown procedures.
The award also recognized Palmer’s efforts to raise more than $100,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society with his West Vancouver teammates through the Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast – despite suffering multiple cardiac arrests during the tour in 2015.
Palmer’s previous awards have included a Chief Constable’s Commendation in 2011 for de-escalating a confrontation with a distraught man, a 2013 certificate of appreciation from RCMP Aboriginal Policing Services and a 2016 Unity in Diversity award from the North Shore Baha’i community.
More than 100 officers from both RCMP and municipal detachments received awards at this year’s police honours night.
Honourees are selected by a committee made up of members of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the policing and security programs branch of the provincial government.
