RCMP member of the Year
Mike Dally and Randall Walrond may be auxiliary constables with the Richmond RCMP by name, but certainly not by nature.
The two, who were sworn in in March 2014, were named this year’s recipients of the 911 Awards for RCMP member of the year.
Their nomination centred on their actions last November when the duo ended up saving the life of a man intent on committing suicide.
Dally and Walrond observed a vehicle that appeared out of place and otherwise amiss, while on their foot patrol. Upon conducting a query of the vehicle, they found it to be associated to a missing suicidal male from New Westminster who was currently the subject of a search to track his whereabouts and ensure his safety.
They located the man mere moments before he had planned to take his own life. They apprehended him under the Mental Health Act and obtained support from a regular RCMP member to transport him to hospital to be assessed.
The missing person was reunited with his family and all were extremely appreciative of Dally and Walrond’s efforts, so much so, that the man personally credited them with saving his life.
Walrond thanked the Richmond RCMP and City of Richmond for their support of the auxiliary program, plus he and his partner Dally’s families for allowing them to perform their duties and give back to the community.
Walrond added he and Dally have seen people at their best and their lowest lows during their time on the streets.
“We’ve seen children who have gone to bed and wake orphans. We’ve been there when people take their last breath,” he said. “And that’s difficult work.”
On that fateful day when they found the missing man who did not have human contact for two weeks and had decided to end his life, Walrond said he and Dally relied on their training to bring about a positive resolution.
He also commented on the support auxiliary members receive that “affords us the ability to get involved in a broad range of projects.”
“All of us here tonight are difference-makers,” Dally added. “And I want to thank each and every one of you for the selfless giving that you all provide to our communities, to make this city that we live and work in that much better."
