USask Protective Services honoured for dedication to community safety

The Van de Vorst award is presented annually by Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) in conjunction with Linda and Lou Van de Vorst, who lost four family members due to an impaired driver.

“Our officers are dedicated to keeping our campus safe and this is an incredible honour to have them be recognized with this award,” said Brad Niven, director of Protective Services. “Our team is steadfast in making sure our campus community is safe year-round no matter the conditions.”

In total, nine USask Peace Officers were honoured with the Van de Vorst Award. Amy Huebner, Caitlinn Gardner, Edgars Plostnieks and Jordan Boechler were presented the Platinum award for their commitment to community safety. Christopher Scriven, Joseph Than, Peter Than and Jason Yan received the Van de Vorst Gold award. Justin Durette was awarded the Silver award, with Jordan Ferster and Lindsey Wesolowski receiving the Bronze award. The honour highlights the work Protective Services does on campus and in our greater community to keep the areas where we work, learn and live safe.

“It's nice to be recognized, but at the end of the day, if I can prevent anybody or any other families from going through a tragedy that Linda and Lou faced, that's good with me. That's a good day's work,” said Huebner in a CTV story about the award ceremony.

The Van de Vorst award is named in honour of Jordan, Chandra, Kamryn and Miguire Van de Vorst who lost their lives to an impaired driver in 2016. This is the fifth year the Van de Vorst award has been presented. Fellow award recipients include police departments and RCMP officers throughout Saskatchewan.

If you or someone you know witnesses an impaired driver, call the USask Protective Services at (306) 966-5555.