A well-known resident and district bylaw officer were honoured for their dedication to community by Peachland council at its Sept. 24 meeting.

Council presented a token of appreciation to Judy Bedford in honour of 40 years of volunteer service to the community. She is responsible for establishing, maintaining and fundraising for the Peachland Community Food Bank. 

Over the years, Bedford鈥檚 dedication to helping others also earned her two Citizen of the Year Awards with her husband Wes, and a Queen鈥檚 Diamond Jubilee Medal. 

鈥淎s she has been often described by those who volunteer alongside her or by those who are helped by her efforts, Judy is a guardian angel and a pillar of our community,鈥� Mayor Patrick Van Minsel said. 鈥淪he is most deserving of our appreciation and admiration.鈥�

Council also commended contract bylaw officer Blake Pfannenschmidt for actions he took recently to protect the community. In August, Pfannenschmidt witnessed a vehicle hit and run and followed the offending vehicle to where it stopped and asked for the driver鈥檚 keys, which he received. 

Pfannenschmidt called the RCMP and then assisted them with an aggressive passenger as the driver failed a roadside sobriety test. 

鈥淵our actions on that August evening were outstanding and brave,鈥� Van Minsel pointed out. 鈥淵ou made a citizen鈥檚 arrest that kept a dangerous driver off the road and assisted the RCMP in ensuring the safety of our community.鈥�