Constable Michael Bal knows how much influence a school liaison officer can have on a young person.
He still remembers the badge number of his high school liaison officer, Const. Rick Schaaf.
鈥淗e was certainly someone who had a tremendous influence on me,鈥� Bal said.
鈥淗aving a positive role model in the high school who shares the same interests as you鈥� he coached us in soccer and we eventually won a city championship under him and it was really neat being able to have that connection with him outside of school.鈥�
麻豆传媒映画police Const. Michael Bal, 29, was named one of the top 40 under 40 law enforcement professionals in the world by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Photo courtesy 麻豆传媒映画Police Department
Bal went on to become a police officer, and today he is one of 麻豆传媒映画Police Department鈥檚 school liaison officers. He works at David Thompson secondary and eight surrounding elementary schools, which includes more than 2,000 students.
Bal, 29, was recently named one of the top 40 under 40 law enforcement professionals by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which annually recognizes officers who exemplify leadership and commitment to their profession.
鈥淗onestly I was flattered,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was really surprised and certainly honoured and privileged to be even considered for an award like this.鈥�
鈥淚t really was a tremendous honour to even be considered for this award.鈥�
Bal has been with 麻豆传媒映画police for eight years and moved into the school liaison position in 2015. Before moving into the youth services unit he walked the beat in the Downtown Eastside, as well as the downtown core. He is also an award-winning crisis negotiator.
鈥淢ichael鈥檚 leadership and passion has been nothing less than inspirational,鈥� said Insp. Howard Tran of the VPD youth services section. It was Tran who nominated Bal for the award.
Bal said he was also inspired to go into policing by his father, who was a Royal Hong Kong police officer.
鈥淗e taught me about the impact an officer can have on a community and struggling youth,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with these kids, and hopefully make a difference in someone鈥檚 life.鈥�
Bal has launched several initiatives in the last two years.
Started in 2016 with Det. Steve Kingra, Project Jawani aims to bring together South Asian youths for an open discussion about issues they are facing. Community speakers and mentors help participants develop social, academic and professional goals.
Bal started Project Breakaway to bring together high school students of different ethnicities, religious beliefs, athletic abilities and circumstances to play floor hockey with police officers, who provide mentorship and positive reinforcement.
A concern about mental health issues amongst young people, he teamed up with mental health professionals to develop the Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support Group at David Thompson secondary. Students who are having mental health issues, along with students who have an interest in creating awareness and removing the stigma of mental illness, joined the group. Participants are given education and training, and then deliver interactive presentations at both elementary and high school levels. The program is so successful it is now being expanded across the entire school district.
In July 2016, Bal was one of two Canadians chosen by the U.S. State Department to be an International Youth Ambassador. In that role he mentored 16 kids aged 15 to 18 who are leaders in their communities across Canada. The group travelled to Ottawa, New York and Washington, D.C. over three weeks, gaining a deeper knowledge of civic government, community service, leadership and social inclusion. After the trip, he has continued to mentor the group as they implement projects in their own communities.
In honour of his school liaison officer Schaaf, who died after battling cancer, Bal started the Rick Schaaf Memorial Cup, an annual soccer game between David Thompson and John Oliver high schools. In addition to battling it out for a trophy, and bragging rights, a player from each team receives a scholarship. He also organizes the Paul Sanghera Memorial Tournament, an annual secondary school soccer tournament in honour of Paul Sanghera, a VPD officer killed in the line of duty in 1982.
Bal mentors VPD cadets at David Thompson, volunteering his own time to take part in activities, and provides guidance and leadership to Grade 11 and 12 students in the VPD Student Challenge, an eight-day mini police academy for students.
鈥淗e is truly making a difference in his community and beyond,鈥� Tran said.
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