PHOTO: Const. Craig van Herk was the master of ceremonies for the evening. (Matthew Claxton/Langley Advance)
Officers in red serge gave a round of applause April 14 to their civilian volunteer partners.
The 24th annual volunteer appreciation dinner was held at the Langley Golf Centre, where dozens of volunteers from Speed Watch, Block Watch, the Community Policing Offices and other groups were treated to a buffet dinner.
As well, officers in dress uniforms thanked them for their service over the previous year.
“Volunteering is not free,” said Staff Sgt. Dave Carr. “Every minute, every hour comes at a cost to you guys.”
Supt. Murray Power, head of the Langley RCMP, told the volunteers that they had earned the right to soak up the words of appreciation from local Mounties.
The volunteers have shared in challenges and adjustments this year as some programs changed, but they have adapted well.
“Hold your heads high,” Power said.
Both Langley mayors, Ted Schaffer from the City and Jack Froese from the Township, also had words of praise for the volunteers.
The evening finished with special thanks and bouquets of flowers for some long-serving volunteers. More than a dozen volunteers were singled out for service that has lasted well over a decade, and in one case for 24 years.
PHOTO: Long-serving volunteers were singled out for years of working with the Langley RCMP. (Matthew Claxton/Langley Advance)