RCMP recognize 27 individuals for outstanding service

July 27, 2026 - Whitehorse, Yukon
From: Yukon RCMP

Content

The Yukon RCMP is recognizing 27 individuals for excellence in policing and community service following its 2025 Awards Ceremony, held in Whitehorse on May 29, 2026.

The ceremony brought together recipients, distinguished guests, family members and friends to celebrate exceptional contributions to public safety and community wellbeing. Awards recognizing bravery, outstanding service, innovation, leadership and long-term dedication were presented to peace officers, RCMP employees and civilians. Seven individuals received Long Service Awards, presented by the Honourable Adeline Webber, Commissioner of Yukon.

Bravery

On behalf of RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, Commanding Officer M Division, Chief Superintendent Lindsay Ellis presented the Commissioner's Commendation for Bravery to Constable Quentin Vander Schaaf. On March 23, 2022, in Taloyoak, Nunavut, he risked his own safety to rescue two individuals from a life-threatening incident involving a volatile fire, intense heat, and dense smoke. Through determination and selflessness, he ensured the survival of others in the face of grave danger.

Outstanding Service highlights 

The Crime Reduction Unit received the Commander’s Unit Commendation for Outstanding Service in recognition of its collective performance, professionalism and dedication in disrupting organized crime. Two of its projects led to the dismantling of a criminal organization responsible for the distribution of opioids throughout the territory. These efforts enhanced public safety and demonstrated the RCMP’s commitment to disrupting organized crime and protecting Yukon communities from further harm.

The Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service was awarded to Cpl. Cameron Long for exemplary leadership during the emergency response to a remote aircraft crash near Faro, Yukon. His actions contributed directly to the safe evacuation of victims.

Community and partner recognition
In addition to honouring RCMP personnel, awards were presented to community partners and civilian agencies in recognition of their critical contributions to public safety and community wellbeing. These recipients demonstrated exceptional compassion and dedication while working alongside police to support Yukoners in times of need.

A Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service was awarded to Conservation Officers Cody Schmidt and Parker Antal. They demonstrated exemplary service during a high-risk aircraft rescue in remote Yukon terrain. Their endurance, teamwork, and quick thinking were vital in reaching and stabilizing crash victims and saving lives under extreme conditions during the multi-agency operation.

Laura Hoversland and Madison McKenna with Moccasin Mobile Outreach received the Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service. They were recognized for assisting a vulnerable youth in crisis on Riverdale Bridge. Their swift, compassionate response and coordination with partner agencies contributed to a safe and successful outcome, enhancing community safety and reflecting the highest standards of service.

Recipients:

• Recognized for 25 years of service were Sergeant Ian Fraser and Public Service Employee Allison Clark.
• Recognized for 20 years of service were Staff Sergeant Gregory Holmberg, Sergeant Cory Abbott, Corporal Nancy Gagnon, Corporal Michael Simpson, and Civilian Member Betty Gaywish.

Unit and Divisional Recognition

Several additional awards were presented to recognize outstanding service, leadership, and contributions across M Division operations and community initiatives.

Unit Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service 

• Public Service Employee Darlene Crossman
• Constable Sierra Cairns 
• Constable Gregory Parsons
• Constable Étienne Lafleur 
• Constable Irie Mishra 
• Constable Philip Isabelle 
• Public Service Employee Brittni Waddington 
•  Sergeant Dustin Grant 

Unit Commander’s Letter of Appreciation for Outstanding Service to Civilian Member 

• Public Service Employee Curtis Wolbaum
• Public Service Employee Nimallan Jayaprakash 

Quotes

“It was an honour to attend the RCMP Awards Ceremony recognizing excellence in policing and community service. The ceremony and the stories shared were a powerful testament to the courage, dedication and commitment of the 27 individuals recognized. I offer my sincere congratulations to each award recipient and thank them for their exemplary service to the people and communities they serve across the Yukon.” 

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Laura Lang

“These awards remind us that excellence is built day by day and year by year through an enduring commitment to the people of Canada and the values of the RCMP. Dedication takes many forms—whether through frontline service, support roles, leadership, community contributions, or decades of service—and represents the very best of public safety and public service. Each recipient has played a meaningful role in strengthening and building safer communities for Yukoners and Canadians alike.”  

Chief Superintendent Lindsay Ellis, Commanding Officer, M Division, RCMP

Quick facts

• The RCMP Long Service Medal is presented to RCMP officers who have completed 20 years of loyal and dedicated service to the RCMP and the people of Canada. A clasp is added to the medal every five years to recognize continued service milestones from 25 to 40 years.
• Public service employees are recognized through the Public Service Employee Long Service Award, marked by a lapel pin commemorating their years of exclusive service to the RCMP.
• The Long Service Medal and its clasps are not awarded for a single act or specific incident. Rather, they recognize the many occasions throughout a career where recipients demonstrate courage, bravery, tenacity, patience, and sound judgment. Together, these honours reflect a sustained commitment to exemplary service.

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