Six RCMP officers celebrated at Team Nick Coates Award Ceremony

June 12, 2026 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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Congratulations to the six RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador police officers who were added to the Nick Coates Impaired Driving Team by MADD Canada today.

Nick Coates’ Team is a program that recognizes dedicated RCMP and RNC police officers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador who diligently work to reduce the number of drivers on the road impaired by alcohol or drugs. 

The team is named for Nicholas Coates, who was killed by an alcohol-impaired driver in 2013. While this initiative bears his name, its purpose is to honour all survivors and victims of impaired driving.

“Impaired driving continues to have serious and lasting consequences in our province. It is a unnecessary and unacceptable choice that affects not only those who choose to drive impaired but the innocent people on our roads,” says Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill, Commanding Officer of RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador. 

“I want to recognize the dedication of our officers, along with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers, that were celebrated today for their continued efforts to keep our communities safe. Every impaired driving stop and arrest has the potential to save lives.” 

To be part of the team, an officer is required to have removed eight or more impaired drivers from the province’s roadways from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.  The awards are classified into two categories: Gold (12 or more impaired drivers) and Silver (minimum of 8 impaired drivers). 

This year’s RCMP gold award recipients are:

• Constable Shawn Hannaford (Holyrood)
• Constable Stephen Miller (Grand Falls-Windsor)
• Constable Kyle Patten (Glovertown)
• Constable Caleb Pellerin (Traffic Services West)
• Constable Janet Reddy (Holyrood)

This year’s RCMP silver award recipient is:

• Constable Darcy Kettlewell (Clarenville)

Constables Miller, Reddy and Pellerin are all returning award recipients.

For the fourth year in a row, the title of RCMP Top Performer was awarded to Constable Caleb Pellerin of Traffic Services West. 

Thanks to MADD Canada and the Coates family for their continued partnership and commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and for recognizing the important work of our police officers in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Impaired operation of any motor vehicle is a choice that puts everyone on the road at an unnecessary and unacceptable risk. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, please call your local police or 911 right away. 

Quotes

“Impaired driving continues to have serious and lasting consequences in our province. It is a unnecessary and unacceptable choice that affects not only those who choose to drive impaired but the innocent people on our roads. I want to recognize the dedication of our officers, along with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers, that were celebrated today for their continued efforts to keep our communities safe. Every impaired driving stop and arrest has the potential to save lives.” 

Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill, Commanding Officer of RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador.

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