A Portage la Prairie RCMP member was recently recognized by the provincial government for his work in the community.

Sgt. Brian Brewer was one of 19 Manitoba police officers bestowed an Excellence in Law Enforcement Award at the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Excellence in Policing Awards Dinner in late November.

"The efforts of the men and women recognized with this award are sometimes taken for granted, but when you see their hard work on a daily basis, it is nothing short of amazing," says Ian Grant, president, Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police in a release. "They are involved in dedicated investigations that may result in real personal safety risks, in community-oriented crime prevention and engagement efforts, and countless hours of volunteer service."

Sgt. Brewer has served in law enforcement for 27 years in western Manitoba. He spent the past three-and-a-half years in Portage. Prior to that he worked in Gladstone, Winnipegosis, and Dauphin. In every community, Brewer has volunteered time towards coaching youth sports. He helps out with the Westpark Royals basketball program in Portage la Prairie.

"Working with the schools and youth, and coaching, it's something I've always done. I like giving back," says Brewer. "I had a lot of people coach me and help me out when I was young. I've coached everywhere I've been, in basketball, soccer and baseball.

"As police officers we try and get involved in the community and you don't do it for recognition, but it was nice to be recognized."

Brewer has also been involved with Operation Christmas Child -- a program that helps deliver Christmas gifts to less fortunate kids in the developing world -- at points in his career in law enforcement. He was the program coordinator for OCC when stationed in Dauphin.

"I just like getting involved with youth, helping them out, and helping them make good choices," Brewer explains. "And hopefully being a good role model and keeping them safe, making sure they're going in the right direction."

The Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards were established by the provincial government to recognize extraordinary efforts by police officers in Manitoba, a release reads. Award recipients are selected by a committee representing the Brandon Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Justice.