Skip to content

Former Abbotsford Police media officer recognized for flood response

Sgt. Paul Walker receives award from International Association of Chiefs of Police
web1_231026-abb-paul-walker-award_2
Abbotsford Police Sgt. Paul Walker (middle) receives the Public Information Management Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police during a banquet in San Diego on Tuesday (Oct. 17).

The former media relations officer for the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) has received an international award for his service to the community during the 2021 floods.

Sgt. Paul Walker was presented Tuesday, Oct. 17 with the Public Information Management Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

The IACP presented leadership awards in several categories during a banquet that was part of its annual convention Oct. 14 to 17 in San Diego.

According to the IACP website, the Public Information Management Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates “innovative use of social media and successful informative management during a critical incident.”

Walker was at the forefront of information released from the APD during the November 2021 floods. He posted regular updates to social media at the height of the disaster and the days and weeks that followed.

PHOTOS: Eastern Sumas Prairie still submerged in floodwaters

His posts included extensive photos and videos of the most-impacted areas on Sumas Prairie and in Clayburn Village.

Walker said it is a “great honour” to receive the award.

‘“During the floods of 2021, we needed to provide our community with the best information we had in real time to ensure public safety within Abbotsford,” he said.

“Being transparent with the community is something that I value and believe is crucial in ensuring public trust in the police. I’m honoured to serve the citizens of Abbotsford along with my colleagues and media partners as we work together with a shared goal of strength in community.”

Abbotsford Police Chief Mike Serr congratulated Walker in a social media post.

“A true example of leadership during our most challenging days,” he wrote of Walker.

Walker left the role as media relations officer in June and is now the sergeant in charge of the APD’s traffic enforcement unit.

Const. Art Stele, who joined the APD in 2020 after seven years with the RCMP, is now the main media relations officer.

web1_231026-abb-paul-walker-award_3
Abbotsford Police Sgt. Paul Walker is shown on Sumas Prairie during the 2021 floods. (Photo: Abbotsford Police Department)