A couple Nelson police officers were honoured with long service medals during the annual reception of city council Monday.
Police Chief Wayne Holland, who himself has been a police officer for more than 30 years, presented the awards to his colleagues.
First up for recognition was Sergeant Fred Mansveld, who retired last February after 31 years of service (“Which, in anyone else’s book, is the equivalent of 62 years years of performance,” joked Holland).
Mansveld enlisted with the Vancouver Police Department in 1981 and 10 years later came to the Nelson department as a constable. He was promoted to sergeant in 2002, and in 2005 he became the sergeant in charge of the Kootenay Integrated Road Safety Unit.
“Under Fred’s leadership and style … the Kootenay IRSU unit has been recognized as one of the most efficient in British Columbia,” Holland said.
The second recipient of the 30 year police exemplary medal was Deputy Chief Constable Henry Paivarinta. 
Paivarinta also got his start at the Vancouver Police Department, enlisting in 1982. After three years, he transferred to the Nelson department as a constable.
Paivarinta was promoted to sergeant in 2000, and the next year he became an inspector. He was appointed to deputy chief constable in 2010.
“During his tenure, he was a police service dog handler, forensic identification expert, community policing officer and platoon sergeant,” Holland said.
“Henry has plans to retire in 2013, and I have plans not to accept his request.”
