The Kermodei Optimist Club of Terrace recently presented Jack Talstra with a Respect for Law Commendation.
The commendation is awarded to individuals/organizations who/that have made significant contributions to public safety, civic and political processes, said Dallis Winsor, charter president of the Kermodei Optimist Club of Terrace.
Respect for Law/Anti-Violence is one of the organization's most popular programs, with more than 1,500 clubs participating annually.
Talstra, well-known in Terrace and surrounding communities, holds the distinction of having been Terrace's longest-serving mayor (1985-2008) and also served as an alderman from 1976-1981.
He was admitted to the Law Society of BC in 1974, established his own law firm in 1976, has practised in Terrace for his entire legal career and is currently the standing agent for the Federal Department of Justice.
He has previously been honoured with the Order of Terrace.
As noted at the presentation ceremonies of that order, Talstra continues to be active in the community and with his church, and he, and his wife Hilda, continue to call Terrace, as the provincial slogan says "the best place on Earth to live.”
Kermodei Optimist Club of Terrace is affiliated with Optimist International, one of the world's largest service club organizations with 100,000 adult and youth members in 3,400 clubs throughout the world.