Yellowknife (Feb 04/04) - Due to their dedicated long-time service, a number of "G" Division RCMP officers were recognized with awards on Jan. 29.

Sgt. Brian Winters received the only 35-year long service award highlighting his good conduct, outstanding service and dedication to the RCMP. - Colleen Moore/NNSL photo

The award ceremony took place at the legislative assembly and was attended by some very prominent figures from the North, including the NWT commissioner, Glenna Hansen, and many MLAs.

Ceremonies such as this are usually done on a yearly basis, but are very important to both the force as a whole and the recipients, said Sgt. Gary Edgar of the Yellowknife detachment.

"This is a distinction we consider to be very significant," said Edgar, "for each and every one of our members."

While all are worthy recipients, Sgt. Brian Winters was the only officer to receive a long service award with three stars -- meaning he has served 35 years with the RCMP.

Winters, who never planned on being an officer as a young child, is currently posted in Fort Simpson.

He said he is extremely proud of his accomplishments during the many years, but joked the job is not as challenging as it once was.

"It's getting harder to get up every morning," he said. "But it has been a really good 35 years."

During his years of service, Winters said the 15 years he has spent in the North have been among the best and by far the most memorable for him.

As for retirement, Winters said he has no plans in the works at this time.

Other notable recipients include Const. Gary Scott Patterson, who was awarded both the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal and Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation Insignia.

Other long-service award recipients were Insp. Gregory Morrow, Sgt. Marion Lamothe, Sgt. Donald Fisher, Cpl. Gary Asels, Cpl. Phillip Guspodarchuk, Cpl. Francis Cullen, , and civilian members Debra Eben and James Cran.

Const. Matthew Hare also received the Commanding Officer's Commendation for his bravery and courage during a situation in Tuktoyaktuk.

"They have all been exemplary members," said Edgar.