On January 9th, we celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of police officers. Join us in recognizing the hard work of law enforcement officers everywhere, especially those who serve with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).
The VPD employs over 2,200 individuals, including uniformed officers and civilian professionals, who receive over 240,000 calls for service annually. These calls include robberies, homicides, serious assaults, missing persons and much, much more. Despite the mental and physical toll, including being attacked and assaulted themselves, VPD officers work tirelessly to ensure the safety of Vancouver’s citizens and visitors, guided by principles of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence.
As the eyes and ears of our city, police officers have the unique perspective of seeing into every nook and cranny of their Districts, giving them insight into the many challenges that our community faces. One such officer is Constable Mariya Zhalovaga, who has turned to the Vancouver Police Foundation to launch various impactful support programs for the community. In her most recent role, Mariya has been working closely with women in the Downtown Eastside and that is where she met Amber who credits her for everything from housing to food in her stomach and putting a smile on her face.
Since 1976, the VPF has proudly granted over $14 million to impactful, community-building, crime prevention and public safety programs, inspiring officers to make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives. These innovative, officer-led programs areoften run on their own time – after long shifts or on days off.
So please join us, today and every day, as we show law enforcement officers, especially those within the VPD, that we appreciate their difficult work, commitment, and instinct to go above and beyond.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall under one of four pillars: Youth Programs, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Outreach & Engagement, and Technology & Special Equipment. You can help build a safer Vancouver by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
