Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) awarded the third annual Cst. Sarah Beckett Memorial Scholarship to Adam Sawyer and EJ Weston in a presentation at the West Shore RCMP detachment in Langford today.
"The CRD Traffic Safety Commission is proud to award this scholarship in the memory of Cst. Sarah Beckett to two such deserving candidates," said Dr. Murray Fyfe, Co-Chair of the Traffic Safety Commission. "While nothing will ever take away the pain, sadness and loss as a result of Cst. Sarah Beckett’s tragic death, this memorial scholarship creates a legacy in her name. This scholarship will help these young people pursue their dream to serve their community as police officers, just like Cst. Sarah Beckett did.”
Two scholarships were awarded in recognition of a $20,000 donation received that was raised through the Sarah Beckett Memorial Run & Walk held earlier this year. In addition to enabling the TSC to provide two awards this year, this generous donation will sustain the scholarship into the future.
Adam Sawyer is a graduate from Claremont Secondary and is pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer through the Justice Institute of BC. EJ Weston is a graduate of Royal Bay Secondary and is studying Criminal Psychology and Behaviour at Durham College. Both recipients have long histories of volunteering within their communities.
"The West Shore RCMP is happy to be part of the Cst. Sarah Beckett Memorial Scholarship, in doing so we remember Sarah and the legacy she created in our community,” said Corporal Chris Dovell, spokesperson for the West Shore RCMP. “With leaders like Adam and EJ, Sarah would be happy to see the future of the RCMP and the community remains bright. Both Adam and EJ are worthy recipients of the scholarship and we know they’ll go on to do great things no matter their endeavours.”
Cst. Beckett was killed in the line of duty in 2016. Subsequently, the Commission created the scholarship to raise awareness of traffic safety issues and highlight the community service provided by police. The Commission is responsible for traffic safety education programs and makes recommendations to the CRD Board to increase road safety in the region. The Commission will award the $2000 scholarship annually to a post-secondary student based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, community service record, and an expressed interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
For more about the Commission, please visit http://crdtrafficsafety.ca/
The Traffic Safety Commission reviews traffic safety in the capital region and makes recommendations through a committee to the CRD Board to help reduce or eliminate problems. The Commission also plans and carries out traffic safety education programs as provided for in the annual budget and approved by the CRD Board.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
Cpl. Chris Dovell, Media Relations Officer
West Shore RCMP
Tel: 250.391.3370
westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
From left: Brad Aschenbrenner (Sarah’s husband), CRD Director Cliff McNeil-Smith, Adam Sawyer, EJ Winnie Weston, Elyse Patten (RCMP) and Dr. Murray Fyfe.