Langley RCMP officer named to international 40 Under 40 list

Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom has been named to the International Association of Chiefs of Police Top 40 Under 40 list. The 39-year-old is one of two Canadians recognized this year, alongside Toronto Police Service Senior Labour Relations Consultant Hiona Murray.

The IACP cited Sharoom’s decisive leadership during the 2022 active-shooter incident in Langley. He was among the first responders when a man began a shooting rampage that killed two people and wounded two others before officers shot and killed him.

According to the IACP statement issued Tuesday, Sept. 1, Sharoom assumed tactical-command responsibilities during the suspect containment and takedown phase, coordinating resources while maintaining public and officer safety. Afterward, he prioritized member wellness, including mental-health support and post-incident recovery.

The 40 Under 40 Awards are in their 10th year and recognize police leaders under 40 who demonstrate dedication, innovation and community service. This year’s honorees include law-enforcement officers from the United States, United Arab Emirates, Philippines, Korea and Pakistan.

Sharoom now leads the Langley RCMP Media Relations unit. The IACP credited him with combining operational leadership with innovation in communications, technology and organizational development. It said he modernized public communications through expanded digital platforms, real-time information sharing and transparency-focused engagement, and rebuilt the detachment’s Training Section to strengthen readiness, mentorship and leadership development.

A former accountant, Sharoom contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours as an auxiliary constable and was named Auxiliary Constable of the Year. Since joining the RCMP in 2014, the IACP said he has applied his accounting and financial-compliance background to investigations, crisis response and public engagement. It also cited his work on diversity and inclusion initiatives and mentorship of junior officers. Sharoom said leadership is about influence and responsibility, not position.