Salmon Arm RCMP Const. Micah Chan didn’t hesitate when he spotted a canoeist in distress in October 2011.
Now he has been honoured with an Award of Meritorious Service at B.C.’s 34th annual Police Honours Night for his efforts in rescuing the 54-year-old woman and her dog from drowning.
This award recognizes exemplary performance that exceeds expectations and enhances the public image of police officers.
The woman had been paddling near Canoe Beach when high winds caused her boat to capsize.
A passerby spotted the woman clinging to the side of the canoe and called 911.
Chan, who was at a nearby motor vehicle accident, immediately went to the beach and spotted the woman in the water near her overturned canoe approximately 100 meters from shore.
Staff Sgt. Kevin Keane said Chan took off his police gear, entered the water and swam out into the cold water. He then assisted the woman and her dog to shore.
This year’s ceremony honoured 87 police officers from RCMP detachments and police forces throughout the province.
Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon and Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton presented awards at Government House in Victoria on Thursday, Nov. 20.