Safe Schools manager receives award from Surrey RCMP for work with at-risk youth

Sarah McKay, manager of the district’s Safe Schools department, has been recognized by the Surrey RCMP with an Officer In Charge award for her outstanding service and dedication to helping at-risk youth in Surrey.

For the past three years, McKay has worked closely with the Surrey RCMP Youth Unit and has managed a number of strategic crime reduction initiatives in an ongoing partnership between the district and the RCMP. She is being commended for her professionalism, responsiveness, teamwork and genuine compassion for youth who are less fortunate.

“This award is well deserved, Sarah and the entire Safe Schools team play an integral role in ensuring that our schools are safe spaces for all students, staff and parents,” said Laurie Larsen, Chair of the Surrey Board of Education. “Our district works hard to ensure that every child has a caring adult in the building that they can reach out to for support, and for many students, Sarah and her team are that person.”

McKay is among 70 recipients of the award, which is given out annually to police officers, employees and citizens who have made outstanding contributions to public safety.

“I think it really shows the importance of our partnership with the RCMP,” said McKay. “It’s everyone’s award in a sense because without the RCMP and the partnership and understanding of the importance of relevant information sharing and planning for school safety, Surrey wouldn’t be the well-resourced school district that it is. I consider it more of a community award than an individual one.”

“I still don’t know who put my name forward, but I’m flattered,” she said. “I received a voicemail and email from someone within the RCMP explaining that I’d been nominated and selected to join the ceremony at Green Timbres. I was surprised but I appreciate whoever put my name forward.”

McKay added her day-to-day work can involve correspondence with the RCMP between 10 and 30 times a day, and that Safe Schools has an excellent working relationship with local police in a shared effort to keep our schools and students safe.

“We are so fortunate to have the support of the school district and the higher ups in the RCMP to allow for this to continue because it really does matter,” she said. “This award goes to so many, and the fact that my name was put out there, it feels special.

“There wouldn’t be that recognition without that large number of people who are a part of it all. It’s just exciting that our wonderful partners have recognized that.”

Congratulations, Sarah, and thank you for all your hard work with Safe Schools and the Surrey RCMP!