RCMP Supt. Dave Walsh and Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin wanted to say thank you to a woman credited with saving lives.

In fact, to personally say thanks, Walsh took Susanne Murphy out for lunch to show his gratitude for her help in capturing murder suspect Angus Mitchell, who was thought to have killed two people in Burnaby.

On May 30, Murphy was instrumental in locating the suspect's vehicle on 216th Street just north of 132nd Avenue, while she was on her way to the dike to walk her dog.

She had the presence of mind to stay on the phone with emergency dispatch for over an hour, and she provided valuable information to officers while critical police resources were assembled and deployed, Walsh said.

She also assisted in steering other unsuspecting citizens away from danger prior to police arriving.

"It is the quick thinking and selfless actions of local citizens like Susanne which makes ours such a great and safe community," Walsh said.

"In my book she is a hero and I have absolutely no doubt that her actions that day did in fact save lives."

Murphy she will be honoured more formally with other recipients in February 2013, during the 2012 RidgeMeadows RCMP Officer in Charge Awards.