The Taras Hryb Educational Builder’s Award is presented annually to a member of the Professional Investigators’ Association of British Columbia (PIABC) who has demonstrated a significant contribution to the education and training of private investigators in British Columbia. This award was established by the Professional Security Knowledge Network (PSKN) in 2022 in memory of Taras Hryb.

This award acknowledges and honours Taras’ contributions to education and training initiatives in British Columbia’s Private Investigators industry. In particular, his vision was the driving force behind the development of an innovative online training program that created a practical and easily accessible pathway for individuals to obtain the essential knowledge and skills to enter this industry. The online Introduction to Private Investigation course was the first of its kind in the Canadian industry; it was not only a cornerstone to establishing PSKN as a leading online learning provider for the sector, but also set the standard for other jurisdictions across Canada.

Taras’s relentless education advocacy work at PIABC and other industry associations were only one of his many passions. He was an Olympian, a 27-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department, a professional investigator, and a dedicated family man. He lived his life with humour, unrelenting ambition, and compassion for others. PSKN is very proud to offer this award as a tribute to his legacy.