Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024 

Victoria, BC – VicPD is proud to have our very own Sergeant Steve Kowan, Staff Sergeant Daryl Baswick, and Deputy Chief Constable Jason Laidman participate in the 2024 Wounded Warrior Run B.C. 

From February 25 to March 3, 2024, A dedicated team of eight runners will embark on a relay-style challenge, traversing the entire length of Vancouver Island in eight consecutive days, covering a remarkable 800 kilometers.  

The purpose of the run is to raise awareness and funds for Wounded Warriors Canada, which provides services, support and training to Military, Veterans, First Responders and their families who have suffered, or are dealing with operational stress injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Map of Wounded Warrior Run B.C. 

If you would like to support their run or learn more about Wounded Warriors Canada, please visit their donation page.  

Both Steve and Daryl have participated in the run before, while Jason is a new addition to the team. Bios for each of the VicPD runners are below. 

Sergeant Steve Kowan 

Steve Kowan is a Sergeant at VicPD, currently working in the Patrol Division. With nearly 30 years of policing behind him, Steve has worked in Community Services, Major Crime, Professional Standards and served on the Emergency Response Team.  

Steve has a long family history in policing and a long family history in the Canadian Forces. He has seen firsthand, from both personal and professional perspectives, how devastating trauma can be. He has also been fortunate to see the profoundly positive effect and benefits Wounded Warriors provides. Steve is proud to be part of the Wounded Warrior Run Team and honoured to have been selected as this year’s Head Runner. 

Staff Sergeant Daryl Baswick 

Daryl Baswick Is a Staff Sergeant at VicPD. Much of his career has been spent in Major Crime, including the last four years investigating homicides on Vancouver Island. Daryl has witnessed the affect PTSD has had on friends and colleagues in law enforcement and the emergency services. A passionate runner, Daryl believes in the power of running to heal. 

Daryl has written extensively about policing and running, with articles published in the Victoria Times Colonist, Globe and Mail and Canadian Running magazine. Daryl and his wife and daughter live in the Cowichan Valley. 

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Laidman 

Jason Laidman has been a Victoria Police member since 2001 and is currently serving as the Deputy Chief Constable. With 30 years of service overall, Jason has experience working on seconded police units including major crime, auto theft, records management project, and the Regional Domestic Violence Unit. He is a firm believer in collaboration, inter-agency cooperation, and wellbeing. 

Jason is committed to working with community and police partners and has been an active member of numerous local Boards and Committees including the Boys and Girls Club of South Vancouver Island, Police Based Victim Services of BC, and the VicPD Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. 

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We are seeking qualified candidates for both police officer and civilian positions. Thinking about a career in public service? VicPD is an equal-opportunity employer. Join VicPD and help us make Victoria and Esquimalt a safer community together.