Saanich Police have honoured over 80 officers and 20 work units that assisted in the 2022 BMO bank shooting.
On June 28, 2022 officers from Saanich Police, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, Victoria Police and other units responded to a 911 call saying two armed robbers had entered a bank on Shelbourne Street.
Multiple officers responded and exchanged gunfire with the two suspects, with six police suffering life-threatening gunshot wounds. The two suspects were shot by police and pronounced dead at the scene.
In a podcast released last year by the Victoria Police Union, some members involved in the shootout spoke about their experiences.
“The last thing I hear is my boss saying, ‘These guys are wearing body armour,’ and the next thing I know, I was shot in the leg,” said Victoria Police Const. Ben King.
“I truly thought that my friends were dying. The only thing I could do was fight back,” said King. “I’m not orphaning those guys’ kids.”
In a formal ceremony Tuesday, 86 officers and 26 work units were acknowledged.
The awards handed out included:
- Chief Constable’s Award of Valour
- Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Life Saving Award
- Chief Constable’s Life Saving Award
- Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Certificate of Recognition
- Chief Constable’s Commendation
- Chief Constable’s Leadership Award
- Chief Constable’s Unit Commendation
“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,” said Saanich Police Chief Constable Dean Duthie.
“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.”
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The crime scene is pictured on June 28, 2022. (CHEK News)
Cole Sorenson
