On August 15th, 2011, the Governor General of #Canada the Right Honourable David Johnston,on behalf of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II issued BCSS its badge and flag. The event was hosted by the BC Legislature and was a historic moment in the long history of the BC Sheriff Service

The tipstaff was historically carried as a badge of office by Sheriffs in England, adorned with the kings crown on top and a scroll inside authorizing the Sheriff to act on behalf of the king. Today’s modern version of the tipstaff is the wallet badge and I.D.

What is a posse. Posse is a shortened form of posse comitatus, a group of people summoned to assist law enforcement. The BC Sheriffs historically formed a posse to track law breakers. A famous posse was the one formed in Kamloops to track down train robber Billy Miner. Circa 1907

OTD in 1903, in #Golden, #BCSheriff Steven REDGRAVE attempted to arrest a man accompanied by a local #posse. The subject refused, a struggle ensued, & after placing one handcuff on, the 72 yr old #Sheriff collapsed suffering a fatal heart attack. The 1st recorded LODD for BCSS.

In 1857, Andrew Muir was appointed the 1st #Sheriff of the colony of #BC. On April 1st, 1974, BC amalgamated the 9 county Sheriffs into the #BC Sheriff Service, creating a #provincial #LE agency whose goal is the safety of British Columbians. “Honour, Integrity, Commitment”.

BCSS has seen various uniforms over the yrs, in the late 1800’s, it was a suit or casual clothing. After the 2 WW, #Sheriffs & other prov. agencies were issued surplus green/brown uniforms. In 1974 BCSS moved to brown, but since then has evolved to the dark blue you see today.

Historically, the equipment used in the 1800’s & early 1900’s was crude compared to modern day gear.

In 1974, the prov. govt. merged the 9 #county #sheriffs into the #BC Sheriff Service. Here are some of the county sheriffs badges that became part of our #history.

In the early days, a small tent served as the offices for the Prov. Police, Sheriffs and courthouse in Prince Rupert. Sheriffs did not have the luxury of modern security, cells or facilities. Common sense, guts and due diligence were required to ensure public safety.

Today we remember Deputy Jim ASKEW who was lost in the line of duty. Deputy ASKEW was involved in a training accident in Kamloops and passed away 01 May 1999. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. R.I.P.

Some of our original vehicles in 1974 were very basic and did not have the interior equipment mounts, fancy strobe light bars, or the prisoner compartments of 2024.

What a great day at the Surrey Torch Run! 🎉 Thank you to members from Surrey RCMP, DFO Pacific, British Columbia Sheriff Service, and everyone who ran in support of SOBC Society! 💪 Donate, find upcoming events, or participate virtually: specialolympics.ca/british-columb…

Today we #honour a history that has been written because so many gave so much to ensure our #freedom. Many members of our service have served or are serving to provide those freedoms we often take for granted. Thank You veterans. Legion BC/Yukon Canadian Armed Forces

The Abbotsford Torch Run yesterday was so much fun! 🎉 This lively group, including runners from Abbotsford Police Department and British Columbia Sheriff Service, cheered and chanted as they ran alongside SOBC Society athletes! 🏃‍♂️ Donate or participate virtually: specialolympics.ca/british-columb…

Our thoughts & prayers are with the injured officer, their family and colleagues Ontario Provincial Police Thomas Carrique Praying for a speedy recovery.

The #emergency equipment / radio trees used in the 1970’s compared to today’s set up. The #fleet mngt. unit should be commended for the quality and consistent upgrades in today’s units.

Travel and adventure has always been part of the #BCSheriffs. Imagine the early years when #Sheriffs escorted the provinces #Judges via horseback, stagecoach, train or boat. One of our goals then as it is today was to ensure the safety of our judiciary. BC Provincial Court

#History needs to be remembered. A unique display of our services shoulder flashes dating back to the 1st one issued in #1974 (far left brown & white) this crest was made of felt and was the only version manufactured this way. Right, our newest issue flash 2024.

#HappyCanadaDay. In 1857 the 1st #Sheriff was sworn in & the union jack was our countries #flag. In 1965 #Canada adopted the maple leaf & it is a symbol of our amazing country and the people who call it home. Our #service proudly displays the 🇨🇦on our uniforms & vehicles.

Like the #BC Sheriff Service, #BritishColumbia has a long history, incredible people and a bright future ahead of it. #HappyBCDAY. We hope that in whatever corner of this amazing province you call home you are enjoying time this long weekend with family and friends.