The Surrey Police Department’s Inspector Sukh Sidhu has been awarded the Leadership in Community Policing Award for his innovative approach to building trust and safety during a gala in honor of first responders.
The awards were presented during a first responders gala hosted by the Dwivedi Foundation. The annual event celebrates first responders across many sectors, including police, paramedics, members of the fire department, and health professionals, who were recognized for their continued efforts in serving the community.
Neil Ungless a Surrey Firefightern received the Rising Star Award for his compassion and dedication to serving the community, while Surrey based physician Dr. Hamid Shabbir was presented with the distinguished Leadership in Community Health Award for outstanding leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Kal Dosanjh a senior detective with Vancouver Police was recognized with the Community Champion Award for his impact on youth and community development.
The event welcomed dignitaries, including Senators, Members of Parliament, MLAs, Mayors, City Councillors, Police Chiefs, Ambulance Chiefs, and Fire Chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps, highlighting the broad support for first responders across government and civic leadership.
Mayors from the City of Surrey Brenda Locke and Delta mayor George Harvie were also in attendance. Both the mayors accorded respective awards to the first responders.
Cloverdale-Langley City Member of Parliament Tamara Jansen also graced the event, awarding Kal Dosanjh a senior detective with Vancouver Police, the Community Champion Award for his impact on youth and community development.
Hundreds of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics were at the event together with their family members, who continue to support their role as first responders daily.
Dwivedi Foundation Vice-President Shanjeelin Dwivedi welcomed the first responders and guests to the event, recognizing the effort and work that first responders place daily in the lives of British Columbians.
“It is an absolute honor to stand before you tonight as we gather for the First Responders Gala. This evening is not only a celebration but also a heartfelt acknowledgment of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of our first responders,” Ms. Dwivedi said.
“Tonight, we come together to say one simple but powerful word—thank you. Thank you for your service, for your strength, and for the hope you give us all,” Ms. Dwivedi said.
“On behalf of The Dwivedi Foundation, it is our privilege to honor your contributions, support your well-being, and reaffirm that you are never alone in the work you do. Let us continue to stand together, united in gratitude and respect for our first responders” VP of Dwivedi foundation Shanjeelin Dwivedi said.
One of the most poignant moments of the night came when Anish Dwivedi, President of the Dwivedi Foundation, addressed the crowd with a tribute to frontline heroes. “First responders walk toward danger when the rest of us seek safety,” he said. “They carry the weight of our worst moments and ask for very little in return. Tonight, we say: we see you, we thank you, and we are here for you.”
The Dwivedi foundation also took the opportunity to thank the Surrey Police Service Pipes & Drums members which had the honour of performing at the Dwivedi Foundation First Responders Gala.
” We are both honoured and privileged that the Surrey Police Service Pipes and Drums members were present to join the celebrations. We thank every member for being there in support of this event,” Vice President of Communications for the foundation Ashwant Dwivedi said.
In a social media post, the Surrey Pipes & Drums members also thanked the Dwivedi foundation.
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We extend our sincere thanks to the Dwivedi Foundation for their generosity and for recognizing the dedication of first responders throughout the Lower Mainland,” social media post said.”This evening also marked a significant milestone — the one-year anniversary of our first public performance. In true regimental spirit, we reflect with pride on the progress made and look forward with determination to where the next year will carry us,” .
Surrey Police Service Pipes and Drums members post read.
The Dwivedi Foundation was established to support and honor first responders, with a strong focus on raising awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the unique challenges these individuals face. The foundation is committed to empowering vulnerable individuals and families especially those impacted by trauma through advocacy, education, social responsibility, and open dialogue. Its initiatives include public workshops on PTSD, scholarships for post-secondary students who are planning on being a first responder , and continued advocacy for the well-being of first responders and their families.
A total of eleven awards were presented throughout the evening, recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields: The recipients are as follows:
- Abbotsford Police Chief Constable Colin Watson received the Leadership and Service Award for exemplary leadership in policing and community safety.
- Chris Michel, Primary care Paramedic was honoured with the Above and Beyond Award for advancing community health and patient care.
- Acting Sergeant Jacquelyn Mula, Major Crimes Unit of New Westminster Police received the Empowerment Through Service Award for her advocacy and leadership for women in policing.
- Kal Dosanjh a senior Detective Financial Crimes Unit with Vancouver Police was recognized with the Community Champion Award for his impact on youth and community development.
- Rona Tepper of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue was awarded the Compassion in Action Award for her leadership and commitment to first responders’ mental health.
- Staff Sergeant Ray Gardner Departmental Sergeant Major Vancouver Police received the Legacy of Service Award for a lifetime of service and unwavering dedication to those who serve.
- Inspector Sukh Sidhu of Surrey Police was presented with the Leadership in Community Policing Award for his innovative approach to buding trust and safety.
- Dr.Hamid Shabbir a BC Physician was presented with the Distinguished Leadership in Community Health Award for outstanding leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable communities.
- Johan Lee Clinical Nurse Educator with Langley Memorial Hospital was presented with Nursing Leadership in Action Award
- Constable Ryan Labrosse of the Delta Police received the Guardian of Peace Award.
- Jacquelyn Mula Acting Sergeant Special Investigations Unit with the New West Police Department received the Empowerment Through Service Award.
- Neil Ungless, a Surrey Firefighter, received the Rising Star Award for his compassion and dedication to serving the community.
The gala not only celebrated individual achievements but also raised awareness on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.For attendees, it was a night of shared gratitude and a powerful reminder of the strength and humanity of those who serve.
