News release

Smithers RCMP recognize outstanding youth with limited edition challenge coin

October 11, 2025 - Smithers, BC, British Columbia
From: Smithers RCMP

Content

The Smithers RCMP are celebrating outstanding youth in the community through the limited edition RCMP youth challenge coin project. The very first recipient is Nicole Murray, a Grade 12 student at Smithers Secondary School.

The challenge coin honours youth who:

• Volunteer with a community agency
• Create initiatives that benefit their community
• Participate in the planning of community events

Nicole was nominated by Smithers Deputy Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Support Services, Matt Herzog, who praised Nicole's remarkable contributions to emergency preparedness and response.

Matt Herzog highlighted Nicole’s leadership during the Mass Casualty Exercise on May 23, 2025, where she coordinated students, organized logistics, and ensured everything ran smoothly. “Nicole’s help was instrumental in the success of the operation. I could not have organized this event without her,” said Matt Herzog.

Nicole has also deployed to support people impacted by emergencies, including a major apartment fire in Houston and multiple house fires in Smithers. She attended the Network of Emergency Support Services Teams  (NESST) conference and holds one of the highest volunteer-hour records on her team, with over 200 hours of service.

Adding to the pride of this moment, Nicole is the daughter of Constable Melissa Murray, whose dedication to service guides us each day in our detachment. Watching Nicole carve her own path of service is truly inspiring.

“Youth like Nicole represent the very best of what it means to serve others with courage, compassion, and dedication,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Ryan Law, Detachment Commander, Smithers RCMP. “We are honoured to celebrate her contributions through the challenge coin project,” added Acting S/Sgt. Law.

Nicole's contributions have also been recognized by her school community. This month, she was named Gryphon of the month at Smithers Secondary School for her leadership in both school and community. 

The Smithers RCMP thank Nicole for her outstanding commitment to building a safer, stronger community.

Youth recipients of the challenge coin are nominated by our partner agencies who see the contributions of youth first-hand. If your agency knows a youth in Smithers who should be recognized with this challenge coin, please reach out to Cst. Jocelyn Foidart at the Smithers RCMP.

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