The City of Cape Town’s annual Safety and Security Directorate Awards recognised the exceptional dedication and hard work of individuals and teams who make a difference in the lives of residents, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The ceremony, a highlight of the year, celebrated heroes in various fields, from law enforcement to emergency services.
Among the awardees was Michael Gardiner, who was named Directorate Officer of the Year.
Gardiner, a senior firefighter, demonstrated unparalleled bravery when he was dispatched to George following a multi-storey building collapse in May. There, he performed an in-field amputation to save a life, solidifying his reputation as a courageous and skilled responder.
Riyaad Daniels was honoured as Traffic Service Officer of the Year for his role in recovering seven stolen vehicles, a critical contribution to the City’s efforts in tackling crime.
Meanwhile, John Hoofd, the Metro Police Department Officer of the Year, was recognised for his impressive record of over 60 arrests in a single year, involving drugs, firearms and other offences.
Ilona Petersen was named Disaster Risk Management Officer of the Year for her tireless work as an Assistant Disaster Management Officer. Petersen’s commitment to emergency response and planning, alongside her voluntary collaboration with Metro EMS on training vulnerable communities, earned her widespread recognition.
Christopher Dillman received the accolade of Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, commended for his outstanding arrest record.
Alderman JP Smith, who presented the awards, emphasised that Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate is leading the country in both operational success and innovation. He also highlighted the City’s international standing, with Cape Town hosting over 100 cities at the recent Strong City Network Conference. ‘It is an honour that cities like Paris and Los Angeles seek to collaborate with us,’ Smith said, citing this as evidence of Cape Town’s commitment to best practices in safety and security.
Smith noted that the City’s achievements are not only about the visible victories but also the behind-the-scenes efforts of those in finance, project management, and administration, whose seamless coordination enables front-line personnel to perform their duties effectively.
As Cape Town reflects on these achievements, Smith emphasised the need to continue investing in people, embracing new technologies, and staying adaptive. ‘The challenges we face are ever-evolving, and our ability to innovate is crucial,’ he concluded, urging all to continue working together to make Cape Town a safer and better place for everyone.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
