Town Presents Annual Matthew Claus Award

The 2022 Matthew Claus Award has been awarded to Jennifer Penner, a Community Peace Officer (CPO) with the Town of Stony Plain. The award was presented at the Town’s annual Long Service Awards and Recognition Banquet.

Jennifer Penner plays an active role in the community and demonstrates a commitment to public service in her day-to-day work. She is known by colleagues as a hardworking and committed team member who is the first to pick up the coffee tab (even when it is not her turn to do so). Her patience and care for the well-being of others has resulted in her reputation as a compassionate and understanding CPO committed to community safety.

“It gives us great pleasure to recognize Jennifer Penner with this year’s Matthew Claus Award. Around the office, Jennifer is known for striving to find better ways to provide emergency and protective services to a growing community. She is committed to keeping residents safe while performing her job with a deep respect and level of care for the community. Congratulations on a well-deserved award, Jennifer!” Says Town Manager Tom Goulden.

“I think it is important to mention the ‘little things’ CPO Penner does on a daily basis. Taking time to listen to other CPOs, being able to put aside her busy task load to help others, coordinating joint force operations, having her patrol vehicle stocked with frequently forgotten items so they are there when you need them, getting birthday cards for teammates… I could go on! These are qualities which remind me of Matthew and the subtle, yet extremely impactful, way he conducted his work,” a co-worker shares.

In addition to supporting her team members, Jennifer is known for her work within the community and her respect for residents. From offering deadline extensions and compliance solutions to providing support for teens in difficult situations, Jennifer carries out her work with respect and compassion. She is an active volunteer in the community and is continuously finding new ways for the CPO team to engage residents and promote community safety.

Matthew Claus, former Manager of Planning for the Town of Stony Plain, passed away on April 19, 2016. Matthew took pride in his work, treated his co-workers with respect, and believed in public service. The Town of Stony Plain founded the Matthew Claus Award to honour his legacy. The award is presented annually to an employee who demonstrates the qualities Matthew Claus was known and respected for.