It was just after 1 a.m. on January 6, 2026, and Vancouver Police Sergeant Calvin Leung was investigating a missing person. He was flagged down by the residents of 25 E. Hastings Street, who reported their building was on fire.
Sergeant Leung requested Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, grabbed the fire extinguisher from his patrol vehicle, and entered the building. As he reached the second floor, the heavy black smoke severely limited visibility and made breathing extremely difficult.
Despite these hazardous conditions, he carried on and located the source of the fire in one of the suites. A man sat next to a burning mattress, but he was unresponsive. Sergeant Leung entered the room and used his fire extinguisher to put out most of the fire. He grabbed the man by the arms and helped him into the hallway, where the sergeant was forced to the floor by the smoke. He was unable to carry the man further.
Constables Tristan Roest and Riley Sidoni arrived and did not hesitate to enter the building. It was difficult to see and to breathe as they arrived on the second floor, where they found Sergeant Leung on the ground. They helped him to his feet and escorted him outside to the fresh air. Firefighters carried the unresponsive resident to safety and extinguished the remainder of the fire.
All three officers suffered smoke inhalation. Sergeant Leung had the most severe effects and was treated by paramedics at the scene.
For his decisive, life-saving actions, and dedication to public safety under extreme conditions, Sergeant Calvin Leung was awarded the Vancouver Police Departmentβs highest award for bravery, the Award of Valour.
Read more award recipient stories:
bit.ly/4fMsGdf
#VPD2026CommendationCeremony