Carrier Stober is the recipient of the 2025 Department of Justice Canada Award for Excellence in Victim Services. Stober is also the primary handler of DDW Athena, one of two dogs on the Victims Assistance Unit.--HANDOUT PHOTO
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Carrier Stober, who has been a member of the Medicine Hat Police Services Victims Services Unit since 2016, is the recipient of the 2025 Department of Justice Canada Award for Excellence in Victim Services.
Each year the federal government recognizes one individual with a long track record of empowering and supporting victims and survivors of crime.
Stober is a dedicated Victims Assistance Navigation Specialist, focused on supporting victims of crime in court and throughout the entire judicial process.
She is also is primary handler of Dogs With Wings Athena, who received her accreditation from a non-profit organization that purposely breeds dogs with specific qualities and then trained for situations such as child forensic interviewing.
Her work, along with two other full-time employees and more than 20 volunteers, supported more than 1,000 individuals who suffered trauma due to criminal activities in 2024.
“Her proactive co-ordination of referrals and resources ensures that victims never feel isolated, empowering them to navigate the system with confidence and dignity,” reads a statement from the federal government. “Carrie has inspired other service providers by consistently demonstrating empathy and meticulous co-ordination.”
Stober began volunteering with the MHPS Vistims Assistance Unit in 2016 and moved into her current role as a Victim Assistance Navigation Specialist at the beginning of 2022.
“Carrie embodies a strong moral compass and has an unmatched passion for her work,” said Kim Fishley, MHPS member. “She is dedicated to providing emotional support, managing expectations, and empowering victims to help them manage their situation from the trauma they have experienced.”
Before joining the MHPS, Stober was a teacher at Seven Persons School.
“Ms. Stober has been instrumental in both the delivery of victim’s services in Medicine Hat and in providing leadership within the unit itself,” reads a social media post from MHPS.
Stober and her small but effective unit have opened 1,200 new case files in the past year and are currently working on more than 600 active files, translating to more than 15,000 volunteer hours of service.
Stober was recognized during an online ceremony held May 12.
