A 20-year officer with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is running for a seat on 91原创 Township council.

Barb Martens will be campaigning as part of the 鈥淐ontract With 91原创,鈥� the civic party announced on Monday, Aug. 22.

Martens, who lives in Walnut Grove with her two children, worked in the Vancouver downtown business district in patrol, neighbourhood policing, crime analysis, as an acting sergeant in crime control, and as a field trainer to several police recruits.

In her announcement, Martens said she decided to run for council after witnessing the recent violence in her community, adding she has the utmost respect and is grateful to her RCMP colleagues who courageously ran into danger without hesitation.

鈥淭he loss of life and sense of security felt by all in our community is truly awful,鈥� Martens said.

鈥淢y unique experience with both public safety and a deep concern for people often excluded in our society will bring a unique perspective.鈥�

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During her time with the VPD, Martens authored research papers on homelessness in Vancouver.

She is a founding board member of BC Women in Law Enforcement (BCWLE), a non-profit organization created to be a supportive community for policewomen throughout the province. There are now over 500 members.

鈥淚t鈥檚 only through intentional connections and relationships that we foster respect, collaboration, dignity, a voice, and improved quality of life for all members of our beloved community,鈥� Martens said.

Martens has received two Vancouver Police Chief Constable commendations, one for saving the life of an emotionally distraught person on a bridge, and the other for being a founding member of BCWLE.

鈥淚 bring proven diverse leadership experience to the table, experience we clearly need at the council table. As 91原创 continues to be such an important community to me and my family, I would be honoured to use my unique experience of connecting stakeholders to make us a safer community.鈥�

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