Good for you.

I don't quite understand. Did this person do something of some importance?

Probably just does his or hers job, startling and unusual actions such as; trying to be helpful to those you serve, following up, following through in a timely manner, going the extra kilometre once in a while, you know, things we used to have to do to keep a job, back in the day it was called customer service.
Anyway, congrats to Devon Cooper.
metalman.

Faxman wrote: "I don't quite understand. Did this person do something of some importance?"

I had a similar lack of knowledge of what this was all about.

Basically it is a continuing education / experience recognition program for government employees in BC run by the Ministry of Community, Sport & Cultural Development.

http://www.cd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/board_examiners/index.htm#Certification Program

The goal is to improve the "professional" skills of British Columbia's local government employees.

These people are not tooting their own horn. It appears to actually be a requirement to provide such media releases if you look at the application form.

"If a Certificate is awarded, a News Release is issued to the local newspaper in your community.

"I CONSENT to my name being published in the local newspaper if awarded a Certificate  Yes  No "

I wonder if they issue a certificate if one were to tick the "no" box.

http://www.cd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/library/BOE_Application_Service_Delivery.pdf

Here are the core courses.

http://www.cd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/library/BOE_Policy_1_Core_Courses.pdf

It appears this is the first level of several other certificates that are available through a person's career.

Probably comes with a pay raise as well.

Sort of like military service medals, I suppose. Medals on one's chest or paper on the office wall.

"Probably comes with a pay raise as well."

Mmm nope...no pay raise...

In order to get a pay raise with the public service you either have to find a higher paying job or in the rare case your specific position might change it could get re classified at an equal or higher wage.

The recognition program in the public service is desinged to get you noticed so you can take on different projects and skills so you can qualify for different roles or jobs. Which have the potential for a "pay raise"..