Staff Sergeant Dale Lahaise of the B.C. Sheriff Service was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal at a ceremony in Chilliwack September 15th. In his 25 years with the service, Dale wrote the B.C. Sheriff Dress and Department Manual, and was the Author and Chief Architect of the Lower Mainland Coordinated Escort program. Dale designed incarceration vehicles, and was part of the design team for the current identity package. The Peace Officer’s Exemplary Service Medal was awarded to Dale after twenty-three years of service.
Volunteer service includes, Founding Member, Chief Instructor , and Sergeant Major of the Sheriff Ceremonial Unit , Founding Member of the B.C. Sheriff Kit Shop, and twenty three years with the B.C. Sheriff Shooting Association , having served as President, Chief Range Officer, and statistician
Prior to becoming a Sheriff, Dale served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 10 years as a regular member, and 5 years as a reservist. As a military policeman, he was deployed to Cyprus, Germany, and to Iran during the Iran Hostage Crisis. In 1980, Dale assisted with the evacuation of the six American Diplomats protected by the Canadian Embassy in Iran.
On his return to Canada, Dale taught at the Canadian Forces School of Intelligence and Security, and he retired as a Commissioned Naval Officer with the Rank of Sub Lieutenant. His Military awards included the UN Cyprus Medal, and The Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, and Canadian Forces Decoration.
Long Service Medals have been presented to Dale by the Air Cadet League of Canada, and by Scouts Canada, along with the Scouts Canada Medal of Merit.
A former member of the 232 Air Cadet Squadron in Oliver, Dale currently serves as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Coordinator for 103 Squadron in North Vancouver.
Accompanying Dale and his family to the ceremony was proud Mom, Carley Lahaise of Osoyoos.
Photo – left to right: His Honour Lieutenant Governor Steven Point, Staff Sergeant Dale Lahaise, Honourable Chief Justice Robert J. Bauman, Honourable Chief Judge Thomas J. Crabtree
Photo and article supplied by Sandra Smith