November 18, 2011
ONE OF ABBOTSFORD’S FINEST HONOURED

ABBOTSFORD – An Abbotsford police officer was honoured for his exemplary service last night at B.C.’s 31st annual Police Honours Night by Lieutenant Governor Steven Point and Solicitor General Shirley Bond.

Sergeant Michael Novakowski was presented with an award for developing several programs which engage Abbotsford’s youth and their parents, and help them make positive choices in their lives.

Province-wide, 69 officers are receiving awards:
• 43 for meritorious service, which involves actions above the call of duty that enhance the image of policing in B.C.
• 22 for valorous service – that is, exemplary service in the face of extreme hazard and personal risk.
• One retired RCMP deputy commissioner and three retired chief constables, for outstanding service.

Quotes:
“Sergeant Novakowski went above and beyond the call of duty, creating programs which have helped steer kids away from the gang lifestyle they hear so much about. I want to thank him for making our streets safer, and for setting a positive example for our youth.”
-Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Sergeant Novakowski for his dedication to the youth of Abbotsford and to our community. Recognition for his commitment to our families is very much deserved.”
-Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong

“Sergeant Novakowski is an exemplary role model for our youth, and I’m happy to see him recognized for all the great work he’s done in our community.”
-Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes

Quick Facts:
• Police Honours commenced in 1981 and provides an annual occasion for the Province to recognize members of the RCMP and independent police services who have performed an exemplary service to the citizens of British Columbia.
• The honorees are selected by a committee of representatives from the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the ministry’s Police Services Division.
• Approximately 9,000 members of RCMP, independent municipal, First Nations and transit police services deliver policing across British Columbia.

Learn More:
Police Services Division website: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/police_services/index.htm

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