One of West Vancouver Police Department’s sergeants has been highlighted for his outstanding leadership and academic abilities.
Sgt. Mike Ashcroft, the department’s NCO [non-commissioned member] in charge of the Major Investigations Team, has been awarded this year's Dalhousie University Bruce MacPhail Award for Academic Excellence. The award is handed to the municipal police officer who achieves the highest overall average in a certificate within the Police Leadership Program.
Ashcroft has had a varied career since starting with West Vancouver Police Department in 2005, stepping in as a patrol constable before going on to work in the investigation and intelligence division as an intelligence officer and confidential informant co-ordinator. He’s also had the opportunity to work in a number of RCMP-Municipal Police integrated units including the Auto Crime Taskforce, the Integrated Gang Taskforce, and as the NCO in charge of the Integrated First Nations Police Unit in North Vancouver.
This isn’t his first time being recognized for his hard work and dedication. Last year he was awarded the E-Division Indigenous Policing Services Officer in Charge Certificate of Appreciation and was also awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his leadership at the Integrated First Nations Police Unit.
Ashcroft, who is committed to lifelong learning, says he believes the courses at Dalhousie have been a major part of his professional development. He completed the leadership certificate with a concentration in administration.
Sgt. MacPhail, who the award is named after, had a 20-year career in the police force, working with the Amherst Police Department in Nova Scotia and Bedford Town Police. MacPhail was the first to graduate as a certified police coach in the Police Leadership – Supervisory Skills program in 2000.
"The award represents the attributes, ethics and self-confidence Sgt. Bruce MacPhail demonstrated in his own personal life to attain personal and professional success," the Dalhousie University website states.
MacPhail passed away in June 2001 after a short battle with cancer. His mother, Phyllis MacPhail, established the award in his memory.
