LAKELAND - Two Hills RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. David Henry received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in a ceremony on March 9.
Henry was one of 19 people from the Lakeland riding to receive the honour.
The medal was awarded by Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs, who in her remarks noted all the recipients were nominated by their peers in the community.
“Dave is known to sacrifice his own time and work balance to ensure his colleagues and community have extra support. He is particularly passionate about mental health and youth at risk, and ensuring young people can live in a way that is productive and healthy,” said Stubbs.
Over the course of Henry’s 20-year career with the RCMP, his roles have included being a school resource officer, boat instructor, and he has taken a leadership role in community policing engagement. Henry has spoken about the importance of prioritizing education before enforcement when working with youth.
“He speaks daily about his dedication to Canada and his love for his community and country. Both are better for having him in it,” said Stubbs.
Asked after the ceremony how he felt to have been nominated, Henry said he was shocked.
“I see a lot of people volunteering here, especially St. Paul and Two Hills. They've been their whole life here, volunteering, dedicating, and they're not getting the recognition. As an officer, we come in for four years here, four years there, and we're gone, and these people are I feel more deserving,” said Henry.
“I'm honoured to get it, and I'm very thankful. So I'm not going to diminish that part.”
Henry’s policing career brought him to the Lakeland in 2013. He has worked in the St. Paul, Elk Point, and Two Hills detachments in the 12 years since.
