A South Surrey man was honoured this week for his "long-standing dedication and leadership in advancing public-safety practices in B.C. and across the country."
Michael Webb, Ecomm's vice-president of technology services, received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in a ceremony celebrating recipients from the high-tech sector Oct. 21 in Montreal.
Webb transitioned to E-Comm from Emergency Management BC, and is now spearheading projects geared towards evolving public-safety services and enhancing the technology used by police, fire and ambulance partners across the country.
“Much of my career has been dedicated to public safety and I take great pride in knowing what I do contributes to the well-being of citizens in my community and throughout the Lower Mainland and the rest of B.C.,” Webb said in a statement.
“For my work to be recognized by the Office of the Governor General of Canada is very gratifying.”
Under Webb’s guidance, E-Comm is putting plans in place to develop the region’s Next Generation Radio Network – described as "a significant advancement for public safety."
Although still several years away, the current consolidated radio system used by police, fire and ambulance partners in the Lower Mainland will evolve to offer advanced interoperability and collaboration among public-safety agencies.
It is one component of initiatives underway across the country to equip first responders with improved communications tools and services using a variety of media: voice, text, data, image and video.
“The role of technology in society is always changing and it’s important that partners in public safety continue to band together and evolve along with it,” Webb said.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year as Monarch. Recipients so far have ranged from mayors and community planners to first responders, historians and others across Canada.