Volunteers for Richmond RCMP were recently recognized for their contribution to the community at a gala dinner.
Since 2019 and despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers have contributed more than 18,000 hours to helping the community.
Almost 90 people gathered at the Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport last week to celebrate the volunteers' hard work, including Richmond RCMP representatives and other local dignitaries.
"We are very fortunate to have such a large group of dedicated volunteers. It is important that we celebrate their resilience and recognize their contributions to policing and public safety in our community," said Richmond RCMP Officer-in-Charge Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan.
He explained that the COVID-19 pandemic had posed "significant" challenges, especially for Richmond RCMP's volunteer operations.
The importance of volunteering to policing and the community at large was also emphasized by Mayor Malcolm Brodie during his speech at the event.
"Richmond remains one of the safest cities in the region and we can thank the many volunteers who serve and support our community through the Richmond RCMP detachment for playing an important role in that," said Brodie.
"Whether it be foot, vehicle and bike patrols; operating Speed Watch, distracted driver and pedestrian safety initiatives; or assisting at large city events, the involvement of the RCMP volunteers makes our city a safer and more inclusive community."
