Following a year where the Vancouver Police Department celebrated its 125th anniversary and faced countless challenges – including a riot seen round the world, Thursday saw the city’s bravest honoured.

The Chief Constable’s Commendation and Certificate of Merit award ceremony recognized VPD members, as well as citizens, who rose to the occasion.

Accompanied by Mayor Gregor Robertson, Chief Const. Jim Chu highlighted more than 30 incidents where police and Vancouverites stepped up.

“There’s so many good things that happen every day on the streets of Vancouver and this is one day that we can get together and recognize those who have gone beyond the call,” Chu said at the Roundhouse Community Centre.

Canine in on the arrest

While they’re not often the centre of attention, the VPD’s canine members don’t go unnoticed.

Const. Derrick Gibson and police dog Teak planned to arrest a former pro football player, accused of sexually assaulting women. The six-foot-one, 225 lbs. suspect, however, resisted and fled.

Teak chased the man and clamped his jaws around his leg. The suspect pried the dog off and continued to run.

The German Shepherd, again, launched himself onto the suspect’s limbs three more times before the suspect turned to Gibson. The two men struggled for a short while before other officers arrived.

Gibson and Teak were awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation.

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