New Westminster's Deputy Police Chief has received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal for his outstanding contributions to policing.
Mayor Wayne Wright and Chief Const. Dave Jones recognized Deputy Chief Const. Laurin Stenerson at the Feb. 4 city council meeting.
"He did start as a New Westminster resident, a little hooligan I gather," Jones joked about his deputy.
Stenerson worked with the RCMP briefly before joining the New Westmtinster Police Department in 1981.
During his time with the department, Stenerson has worked in various units, including patrol, watch commander, special operations, undercover, and problem-oriented policing.
Stenerson received a commendation for the work he did when responding to a hostage-taking situation at the New Westminster courthouse back in June 1990.
Jones said Stenerson "is dedicated, compassionate and brings one of the highest levels of integrity" to policing. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police nominated Stenerson for the medal because of his significant achievements and continued leadership in the field of policing.
Get guiding
New Westminster Girl Guides are inviting community members to join them at their 48th annual international fair.
Girl Guides of Canada's New Westminster District is celebrating the international sisterhood of guiding in 145 countries on Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary School gym. The event will include displays, presentations (beginning at 11 a.m.) and a bake sale to raise funds for the Canadian World Friendship fund, which helps guiding groups in less fortunate countries.
Lord Tweedsmuir is located at 1714 Eighth Ave. The event runs from 10: 30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.
Quay fireworks
Canada Day 2013 could include a full day of fun for Royal City residents.
The City of New Westminster holds an annual Canada Day party in Queen's Park that features entertainment, displays and more.
Gavin Palmer, president of the Hyack Festival Association, said the association is planning an evening of festivities to celebrate Canada's birthday on July 1, 2013.
"We are going to have fireworks at night," he said. "We are going to light up the Quay."
Palmer said it's yet to be determined whether the festivities will take place at Westminster Pier Park or elsewhere on the Quay.
Saying goodbye
Paul Daminato has wrapped up a 33-year career with the City of New Westminster.
Daminato retired as the city administrator on Jan.
31, a position he'd held for a decade. Staff gathered recently at Century House to pay tribute to his contributions to the city. Various departments presented Daminato with retirement gifts - including a stuffed Dalmatian from the fire department and a metre from the electrical department.
Finance director Gary Holowatiuk's contribution took top marks for creativity. He created a device that featured a beer can in the front (to make Daminato run faster) and a running shoe that slaps the behind (to encourage Daminato to run faster).
Daminato, who completed his first triathlon about five years ago, was part of the Canadian triathlon team that competed in New Zealand last year.
On a more serious note, Daminato gave his final "state of the union" address at the Jan. 28 council meeting, detailing some of the city's achievements in 2012. It was his final council meeting before retirement.
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