On October 4th, 2018, eight winners were celebrated at the Surrey Board of Trade’s 22nd Annual Surrey Police Officer of the Year Awards Dinner.
“Congratulations to Inspector Wendy Mehat for being named the 22nd Surrey Police Officer of the Year, nominated by the community, for her unwavering commitment to public safety in Surrey and for her community collaborations,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.
Inspector Mehat has over 18 years of experience with the RCMP. She has worked in federal organized crime units and with the Surrey RCMP’s Professional Standards Unit, before coming back to a “community” position in Surrey. Inspector Mehat was the BC RCMP recipient of ‘The Times of Canada Excellence in Public Service Award 2017’. In 2002, Mehat received recognition with a Surrey RCMP Detachment Commendation Award for her contributions to public safety in Surrey as well as an Award of Meritorious Service chosen by representatives from the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the police services division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Mehat was promoted to Inspector earlier this year and has contributed towards reducing crime and enhanced community safety and encouraging others to action through new initiatives such as ‘Car Yankee 30’ and cultural training projects.
“The 22nd Surrey Police Officer of the Year Awards Dinner recognized the Surrey RCMP, its volunteers, municipal employees and business community collaborations – it was a full room full of hero’s last night.”
The evening was markedly poignant especially in light of recent local election campaigns and community conversations questioning the work of the Surrey RCMP.
“Hearing the amazing, unique work of the Surrey RCMP underscored their commitment to Surrey. There is no other city in Canada that has this recognition evening and community collaborations. We all have a role in public safety.”