Constable Vahid Abolhassani Receives 2025 Alexa All-Star Award

On July 24, Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Matthew Wrobel, on behalf of Chief Superintendent Stephen Cocks, presented Constable Vahid Abolhassani of the University RCMP Detachment with the 2025 Alexa All-Star Award.

The Alexa All-Star Award recognizes police officers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to road safety by removing more than 50 impaired drivers from the road within a single year through impaired driving enforcement and investigations. Officers who achieve this milestone have made a significant contribution to protecting the public and preventing injuries and deaths caused by impaired driving.

The award is named in memory of Alexa Middelaer, a four-year-old girl who was killed in 2008 by an impaired driver while standing roadside with her aunt in Delta, British Columbia. Alexa's tragic death became a catalyst for significant impaired driving reforms in British Columbia and inspired the creation of Alexa's Team, a province-wide recognition program that honours police officers dedicated to removing impaired drivers from B.C.'s roads and highways.

BC Highway Patrol administers the Alexa Awards to ensure that outstanding police officers are recognized for going above and beyond the regular scope of their duties. Alexa Awards are presented to police officers who use all enforcement tools at their disposal to reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads.

Constable Abolhassani's achievement reflects his dedication to high-risk driving enforcement and his unwavering commitment to public safety. Through proactive patrols and impaired driving enforcement, he has helped make British Columbia's roads safer by removing impaired drivers before they can endanger themselves and others.

"Every impaired driver I remove from the road, I think of little Alexa and her family," said Constable Abolhassani. "Alexa's story is a tragic reminder that impaired driving has real and often devastating consequences for innocent people. If removing one impaired driver prevents another family from experiencing that kind of loss, then every traffic stop, every investigation, and every hour spent on enforcement is worthwhile. I am honoured to receive this recognition, but the real reward is knowing that our efforts are helping keep our communities safe."

"Removing impaired drivers from our roads saves lives," said Staff Sergeant Wrobel. "Constable Abolhassani's commitment to road safety and his efforts to hold impaired drivers accountable exemplify the professionalism and dedication we strive for within the RCMP. This recognition is well deserved."

The RCMP remains committed to reducing impaired driving through education, enforcement, and public awareness initiatives. Motorists are reminded to plan for a safe ride home, never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and report suspected impaired drivers to police.

Congratulations to Constable Abolhassani on receiving the 2025 Alexa All-Star Award and for his continued commitment to keeping our communities safe.