10/27/2025
Sgt. Scott Badiuk Receives Excellence in Policing Award for Leadership During Manitoba Wildfire Response
The Sainte-Anne Police Service is proud to announce that Sergeant Scott Badiuk has been awarded Manitoba's Excellence in Policing Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, professionalism, and compassion during the 2025 wildfire evacuation response.
When wildfires devastated several northern First Nations communities, Manitoba Justice reached out for assistance with the emergency relocation of evacuees to Winnipeg. The Sainte-Anne Police Service immediately answered the call, deploying officers, Community Safety Officers, and Auxiliary members to assist at the Leila congregate shelter, one of the largest and most complex emergency housing sites in Manitoba.
Under Sgt. Badiuk's leadership, the Sainte-Anne Police Service quickly established 24-hour safety and supervision coverage while maintaining full operations in Sainte-Anne. The deployment spanned over the summer , with members contributing more than 1,500 total hours, including 900 volunteer hours from Auxiliary members who stepped forward to assist evacuees and support provincial partners. Sainte-Anne officers spent much of their days off deployed to Leila or other evacuee sites.
Sgt. Badiuk personally spent long days and nights on site, often well beyond his assigned hours, guiding both his own members and partner agencies through the challenges of operating in a highly dynamic environment. Known for his calm, solutions-focused approach, he brought a sense of stability and structure to an otherwise unpredictable situation.
With over 15 years of policing experience, including seven years in First Nations policing, Sgt. Badiuk is recognized for his ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and lead with empathy and respect. His operational insight and skill in de-escalation made him a trusted presence among evacuees, community leaders, and colleagues alike.
Working closely with Manitoba Justice's Safety Officer Program, First Nations leadership, the Canadian Red Cross, and other partners, Sgt. Badiuk helped build a layered, cooperative safety model that emphasized dignity and cultural sensitivity. His leadership not only enhanced safety on-site but also fostered genuine trust and collaboration between agencies.
Chief Marc Robichaud praised Sgt. Badiuk's performance, saying:
"Scott embodies what small-town policing can achieve when it's done right, he's a steady hand, a compassionate leader, and someone who always steps up when people need him most. His work at Leila showed the best of our profession and the heart of the Sainte-Anne Police Service."
The Excellence in Policing Award was presented to Sgt. Badiuk last night in Winnipeg by Manitoba's Minister of Justice. The honour reflects not only his personal dedication and character, but also the broader professionalism and heart of the Sainte-Anne Police Service, a small department that continues to make a big difference in public safety across Manitoba.
The Sainte-Anne Police Service also extends its sincere appreciation to Manitoba Justice for the trust placed in our organization to contribute meaningfully to the province's emergency operations. That confidence in our officers and leadership is deeply valued, and we remain committed to being a dependable, forward-thinking partner in keeping Manitobans safe.
