Surrey RCMP officer receives prestigious IACP Top 40 under 40 award

Surrey

2024-10-24 13:21 PDT

This week, Staff Sergeant Derek Bonner was presented with the Top 40 under 40 Award on behalf of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) during the 2024 IACP Annual Conference & Exposition. S/Sgt Bonner is the only RCMP officer across the country and just one of four Canadian police officers to receive this award in 2024.

S/Sgt Derek Bonner

Staff Sergeant Derek Bonner is honoured for his tenacity, unwavering commitment, and close attention to detail which has been instrumental during some of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) most complex and high-profile cases. With his combined experience in academy instruction, general duty, the role of school liaison, cover surveillance, and major crimes, he has proven himself an excellent investigator, and trusted leader.

Currently, S/Sgt. Bonner heads the Surrey Serious Crime Unit, conducting homicide, attempted murder, serious aggravated assault, high-risk missing person, and arson investigations. His strong investigative background and knowledge of Canadian law and RCMP policies is demonstrated through his sound decision-making and ability to turn some of the most difficult investigations into successful convictions. This includes a multiyear shooting investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of multiple persons involved in an extensive drug trafficking network, along with the seizure of significant amounts of illicit drugs, cash, and numerous firearms.

In 2022, S/Sgt. Bonner was identified as an Accredited Team Commander in the province of British Columbia, a recognition bestowed upon individuals having demonstrated and documented success during investigations in the team commander, primary investigator and file coordinator roles, and having shown a commitment to the nine principles of major case management.

S/Sgt. Bonner’s commitment and dedication span well beyond policing. He also coaches youth sports and recently earned a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in applied management. His motivation stems from the desire to leave a lasting positive impact, whether on his community, his colleagues, or the policing profession at large.

Congratulations to S/Sgt. Derek Bonner on receiving this well-deserved award, says Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, Officer in Charge of the Surrey RCMP Detachment. Derek’s leadership and dedication to the residents of Surrey and to the team at the Surrey RCMP exemplify the highest traditions of the RCMP. This recognition is a testament to your hard work and to the positive impact you make every day.

To read more about S/Sgt. Derek Bonner’s award, please visit the IACP website at https://www.theiacp.org/2024-iacp-40-under-40-awardees.

Picture of Staff Sergeant Derek Bonner and Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald