The VPD Canine Unit calendar looks slick and raises a lot of money for the BC Cancer Foundation and BC Children’s Hospital each year. What you might not know is that getting this calendar into your hands is…shall we say…not exactly Amazon, but a definite labour of love! Csts. Brian Lequesne and Dennis Jesus are […]...
Checking in with Lucca
Many of you know Lucca, the VPD’s Victims Services Unit certified Justice Facility Dog. Since 2016, he’s been providing support to victims and witnesses of crime and trauma. Lucca’s calming presence promotes healthy communication and coping throughout difficult times for victims. Since being on the job, Lucca has had hundreds of unique contacts with clients […]...
National Volunteer Week
As National Volunteer Week comes to an end, we want to give a huge shout out to the millions of people who give their time everyday to make our world better. Here at the VPF, we rely on dozens of volunteers throughout the year to help us with our events, programs and office administration. Kassandra […]...
Community Champions
Last week, we were grateful to share stories about the amazing generosity of our community and this week is no different! In addition to donations of PPE for front line officers, a number of companies have stepped up to donate food and other comfort items to VPD members working hard to keep our neighbourhoods safe. […]...
Justice Rugby
VPD officers Michael Kajander and Stuart Hurst have channelled their passion for rugby into a program for underprivileged youth. Justice Rugby combines learning how to play rugby (a modified version with no tackling), with building teamwork skills, resiliency (learning how to accept losses), encouraging others and simply having fun. Despite being a global, inclusive sport, […]...
Beyond The Blue
Like many of you, VPD families have spouses working from home while trying to juggle child-care and home schooling. Where their experience often differs though, is that VPD officers have to deal with (in the moment and in the aftermath) situations most of us can’t even imagine. And then they bring that home. It’s a […]...
Community Champions
PPE (personal protective equipment) has never been in greater demand. For those of us frustrated that we can’t get liquid soap or hand sanitizer for ourselves and our families, imagine the concern of those looking out for our first responders. While the VPD has enacted pandemic protocols to keep its officers safe, there are times […]...
You Become a Police Officer to Help People
VPD member Tim Houchen sees people on their worst days. And he sees them on their worst day, every day. Sergeant Houchen works at the VPD Jail, which is the busiest jail in British Columbia – 16,000 individuals per year pass through its doors. Like many of us, as children they started off with hopes […]...
Above and Beyond: Cst. Mariya Zhalovaga
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the past few weeks (besides the value of toilet paper!) it’s that adaptability and innovation are two aspects at the core of resiliency. Constable Mariya Zhalovaga, School Liaison Officer at Windermere High School is a prime example of this. A few years ago, she started a running club […]...
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Hearts
Many of you will be into the fourth week of your new year’s resolution(s). If you need any motivation to start a new health kick, or to keep up your great work, check out the Windermere Running Club for inspiration! The Windermere Running Club provides a supportive and welcoming running environment for kids attending Windermere Secondary, regardless of individual ability or athleticism. The runners are in grades […]...