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Awards recognize outstanding B.C. Sheriff Service members

May 2, 2023, British Columbia – One hundred B.C. sheriffs received the most prestigious national decoration for their profession this past weekend.

The Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal (POESM) recognizes peace officers who have more than 20 years of outstanding service in protecting the safety and security of the Canadian public.

Niki Sharma, Attorney General, recognized the recipients at an awards ceremony held April 29, 2023, in Coquitlam. This was the first in-person ceremony in five years. In addition to the medals, three commendations and one award of distinction were handed out.

“When people attend court, they are often under a lot of stress and the last thing they need to be concerned about is safety,” said Sharma. “These sheriffs have been going above and beyond the call of duty for many years to help make sure people in communities across B.C. can access the justice services they need safely.”

The POESM marks 20, 30 or 40 years of service. Officers can be awarded a bar for every subsequent 10 years of service. This year, 70 sheriffs received the 20-year medal, 28 received a 30-year bar, and one received a 40-year bar.

“It’s wonderful to finally be able to award these medals after five years due to schedule changes and the pandemic,” said Paul Corrado, executive director and Chief Sheriff, BC Sheriff Service. “We are incredibly proud of the work our sheriffs do every day to ensure all levels of court run smoothly and safely. I commend all sheriffs on their work with our justice system partners during the pandemic to create and implement procedures to support all levels of court in the province and ensuring access to justice.”

The POESM was created in 2004 to recognize peace officers who have served in an exemplary manner, characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency. Eligible sheriffs must have served at least 10 of the 20 years performing front-line duties with potential risk.