www.vernonmorningstar.com
News
Friday, October 19, 2012 - The Morning Star A3
RCMP commissioner honours local officers ROGER KNOX
N
Morning Star Staff
early eight years after the accident that took her husband’s life, Annie Lavigne still finds it tough to attend functions where Glen Evely is recognized. Evely, a Vernon RCMP auxiliary constable, was killed on duty on Nov. 13, 2004 while in a police car patrolling an area in downtown Vernon where there was a report of a stolen vehicle and high-speed pursuit. Evely was killed when the stolen vehicle collided with the police car. Lavigne accepted the RCMP Memorial Memento, a sterling silver medallion handcrafted by the Royal Canadian Mint in honour of fallen members’ memories, at the RCMP E Division (B.C.) Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals and Long Service Awards Ceremony Wednesday at the Prestige Hotel in Vernon. “It’s very emotional but it’s also an honour,” said Lavigne following Wednesday’s presentation from B.C. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens. “It’s an honour that the city and the RCMP recognize my husband for what he did. Even though he lost his life, he was doing what he loved, and we (two kids) do miss him. “It’s not always easy to come to these things but we appreciate what they do and it’s an honour.” Helping to ease the pain somewhat was the fact that Evely’s partner the night he was killed – Const. Frank Grenier – received his 25-year Bronze Clasp for service. Grenier was seriously injured in the accident. “I thought that was great,” said Lavigne. “They are a good family and stick together, it’s very honourable.” More than 100 officers, auxiliaries, retired
ROGER KNOX/MORNING STAR
B.C. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens presents Const. Frank Grenier (above right) with his 25-year Bronze Clasp Long Service Award during a special ceremony in Vernon. Annie Lavigne is presented with the RCMP Memorial Memento in honour of her late husband, Auxiliary Const. Glen Evely, who died on duty. members and civilian employees were honoured with either the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal or Long Service Award medallions and pins. Members from the Vernon-North Okanagan detachment picking up Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals included:
Supt. Reg Burgess; Insp. Jim McNamara; Sgt. Dave Evans; Sgt. Robb Daly; Cpl. Mark Taylor; Cpl. Trevor Tribes; Const. Jonathan Klassen; Auxiliary Const. Dale Fennell. A 20-year Long Service Medal was presented to Cpl. Gerry Kovacs, while Daly, along with Grenier, earned 25-year Bronze Clasps.
Sgt. Keith Ferguson and Sgt. Bruce Robertson (retired) received their 30-year Silver Clasps. Every recipient was presented his/her honour by Callens. “It’s always a privilege for me to attend ceremonies such as this one,” said Callens.
Bait car nabs suspects in BX area Morning Star Staff
Two would-be car thieves took the bait. Vernon RCMP were alerted Oct. 12 at 1:45 a.m. to a bait car activation in the area of 46th Avenue. The two people drove the vehicle up Silver Star Road towards Rimer Road, but abandoned it when they figured out it was a bait car. “Both suspects took off on foot,” said RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk.
A 39-year-old woman was located and arrested by police a short distance away. A 35-year-old man managed to leave the area but was arrested the next day. “Indications are these two people had been very active in the City of Vernon checking vehicles that were unlocked and had items visible inside them they could turn into quick cash,” said Molendyk. Both people have since been released on a promise to appear in Vernon Provincial
Court. Vernon RCMP again reminds vehicle owners to continue to remove valuables from their vehicles and always lock your vehicles. Do not become an easy target. The Vernon-North Okanagan detachment continues to use the bait car program as part of its crime reduction strategy to apprehend those individuals who commit auto thefts and thefts from vehicles in the North Okanagan.
Switchboard: 545-3322
Index Arts...........................................B1 Church directory........................B12 Classifieds...............................B19 Editorial.....................................A8 Letters.......................................A9 Lifestyles...................................B7 Sports......................................A23
INTRODUCTION SALE on NOW!
Leather Sectional
Cloud Grey sectional available in three colours. Style is also available in a sofa loveseat and lounge chair. Regular $3,499.99
Only
2199
$
95
Vol. 25 • No. 43 — 64 Pages
Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm www.bhleisure.com
BEACHCOMBER
Home Leisure 5309 26th Street, Vernon
250-542-3399