New Westminster Police Chief Dave Jones has been named to Douglas College’s highest distinction – the 2016 Honorary Fellow.

The Douglas College Criminology grad was nominated for his tireless work in law enforcement, which first began in 1982 as a volunteer with the Reserve Police Section of the NWPD, before being hired on as a full-time officer in 1986.

“It feels really special to be recognized. I truly appreciate the nomination and receiving the award,” Jones said. “Douglas College was my first experience with post-secondary education and it was very beneficial to my overall career.”

In the Honorary Fellow nomination form, Jones is recognized for “an unwavering commitment to the safety, security and enhancement of [his] community.”

Throughout his career, Jones has worked in a variety of units, including patrol, major crimes, the special operations unit, drugs section, community services and street crime.

“Chief Jones is an integral part of this community. His dedication to this city and its residents is admirable,” College President Kathy Denton said. “We’re always excited to have Chief Jones come in to the classroom as a guest lecturer and hope he continues to share his vast knowledge with our students.”

For his dedication to serving and protecting his community, Jones has also received recognition for various investigations and events in the form of a Chief Constable Commendation, Sr. Officer’s Commendation, a Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. In May 2013, the Governor General of Canada presented the Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces medal to Jones, recognizing his commitment to this country and honouring a career of exceptional service within policing in Canada.

“I truly appreciate the recognition, but I’m always reminded that there have been a lot of other great people I’ve worked with who have been invaluable in all of the projects or changes we’ve seen over the years,” Jones said.

Outside of his work with the NWPD, Jones has strong roots in the community through youth sports teams. Jones currently chairs the Westminster District Boys’ Soccer program along with the Coquitlam Field Sports Association.

Jones will be presented as a 2016 Douglas College Honorary Fellow on Thursday, June 9.