Image: AbbyPD / In 2023, the Abbotsford Police Department launched a contest in which it asked local Indigenous youth from Abbotsford School District to design a shoulder flash, or patch, that would celebrate their heritage, family, and community values. The winning design, created by grade 12 student Liam Silver (pictured), was selected to be digitally rendered into an official police shoulder flash for AbbyPD officers to be worn on future Truth and Reconciliation Days. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Abbotsford Police Department

Indigenous art from Abbotsford student chosen for Abbotsford PD police uniforms

Oct 7, 2024 | 1:47 PM

ABBOTSFORD — Liam Silver, a grade 12 student from W.J. Mouat Secondary in Abbotsford, has a lot to be proud of.

In 2023, the Abbotsford Police Department says it launched a contest in which it asked local Indigenous youth from Abbotsford School District to design a shoulder flash, or patch, that would celebrate their heritage, family, and community values. The initiative aimed to reflect the attributes they wished to see in their police force.

In a news release from AbbyPD Constable Art Stele, police say the response was positively overwhelming thanks to over 40 submissions of artwork received. On Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2023, these submissions were displayed in the AbbyPD lobby, where the public was invited to vote for their favorite design.

The winning design, created by Silver, was selected to be digitally rendered into an official police shoulder flash for AbbyPD officers to be worn on future Truth and Reconciliation Days. This design was unveiled in a grand ceremony on National Truth and Reconciliation Day this year (2024).

On September 30, during the event, Silver was brought on stage for the official unveiling of his design. He had the opportunity to speak about his creation, and in a powerful moment, the police officers on stage simultaneously replaced their regular flashes with the new flashes, to the enthusiastic applause of the crowd.

Abbotsford Police Department

Indigenous art from Abbotsford student chosen for Abbotsford PD police uniforms

2h ago

Sardis Falcons football

Sardis Falcons drop close one to powerhouse Robert Bateman at Exhibition Field in Chilliwack

3h ago

Chilliwack real estate sales

Chilliwack home sales continue to rise year-over-year as single-family home prices actually drop

6h ago

As a token of appreciation, Liam was gifted one of the new flashes to keep as a memento of his achievement. Police say this event not only celebrated Silver’s artistic talent but also highlighted the importance of community and cultural representation within the police force.