As gunfire rang out in Saanich streets mid-morning on June 28, 2022, residents ran for cover.
They later learned that officers with the Saanich police, Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, Victoria police and regional integrated units had converged on an armed bank robbery in progress at the Bank of Montreal location near the intersection of Shelbourne and Pear streets in Saanich.
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Officers encountered two armed suspects who exchanged gunfire with police.
The suspects died at the scene.
Six police officers sustained serious and life-threatening gunshot injuries.
On Jan. 30, Saanich Police Chief Dean Duthie recognized 86 officers and 26 work units in a formal ceremony to acknowledge their actions and contributions that day.
“This formal recognition ceremony was a very important and emotional time for all the award recipients, their families, and everyone who serves alongside them. Presenting each award is a moment that I will never forget – my heart continues to be filled with gratitude, honour, and respect. Our officers continue to report for duty every day and night to keep Saanich safe – this is something that we all need to acknowledge and appreciate,” Duthie said in a news release.
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Chief Constable’s awards were issued for valour, citizen’s life saving, life saving, certificate of recognition, commendation, leadership and unit commendation.
Individual commendations were presented to members of the Saanich, Victoria and Central Saanich police departments, E-COMM, and the Police Medical Director/Physician who supports and trains officers in tactical emergency medical services. Unit awards were presented to Saanich Police Department, Victoria Police Department, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Central Saanich Police Service, Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, Integrated Canine Service, Westshore RCMP, Greater Victoria Public Safety Unit and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit.
READ ALSO: 2 suspects killed, 6 officers shot after daytime bank robbery in Saanich