Delta police Acting Staff Sgt. Gary Koonar has been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious IACP Top 40 Under 40 Award for 2024.
This award, presented by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), recognizes law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate leadership, excellence, and commitment to their profession and communities.
Koonar serves as the Watch Commander for ‘A’ Platoon, where he leads a diverse team of 20 officers with a focus on community safety, teamwork, and proactive policing.
With a career spanning more than 15 years, Koonar has exemplified operational excellence, investigative prowess, and a dedication to building positive cultural change within the department, said the Delta police in a news release.
“I am proud to see Gary recognized with this international award,” said Acting Chief Guy Leeson. “His leadership, commitment to community safety, and mentorship have had a great impact on our department and the community we serve. This award reflects his hard work, integrity, and dedication to policing.”
Koonar’s journey into law enforcement began in high school, inspired by the mentorship of a school liaison officer. He later volunteered with a community-based crime prevention organization and pursued a degree in criminology, which laid the foundation for his career with the Delta police.
Joining the DPD at the age of 22, Koonar quickly distinguished himself in various roles, including his work on Project Virtue, an investigation into child prostitution and human trafficking that led to the successful rescue of a teenage girl.
His leadership in gang investigations has also been notable, particularly through an intelligence-led initiative that focused on reducing the risk of gang violence and shootings in the community. Additionally, as one of the primary trainers for the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) program, Koonar is committed to cultivating a culture of accountability and excellence within the department.
“Each step of my journey, from volunteering and pursuing advanced studies to my work on the frontline, has been driven by a deep desire to make a tangible difference in my community,” said Koonar. “It is an honour to be recognized among such a distinguished group of law enforcement professionals, and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and family.”
