A Surrey Police officer is being recognized for his "innovation, leadership and dedication" to his job.
Sgt. Ryan Buhrig is one of the recipients of this year's Top 40 under 40 Award on behalf of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
The award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals worldwide who are under 40 and demonstrate leadership, excellence and commitment to their communities and the law enforcement profession.
“I’m driven by curiosity and a desire to improve policing through innovation, research, and compassion," Buhrig said.
Buhrig plays a key role in the SPS's professional skill section, where "he has revolutionized training delivery through the implementation of a cutting-edge learning management system and an automated training management platform," noted a post on the IACP's website.
He also played an essential role in the police transition when he served as treasurer and spokesperson for the Surrey Police Union.
"He helped negotiate the agency’s first collective agreement, introducing progressive policies such as paid maternity and paternity leave and wellness programs," noted the post.
He started his policing career with the RCMP. He later worked at the Port Moody Police Department before joining the Surrey Police Service.
Buhrig is also a seasonal instructor at the University of the Fraser Valley, where he teaches on trauma-informed and de-escalation practices. He has a master's degree in criminology, a Governor General's Gold Medal and is doing ongoing research for his PhD at Simon Fraser University.
Two Surrey Police Service officers have also received the award in previous years: Det. Const. Mandy Glassco in 2022 and Sgt. Kaleigh Paddon in 2023. Surrey RCMP Staff Sgt. Derek Bonner received the award in 2024.
