News Release
Police Chief to be Invested into new Order of Merit
(Monday, May 13/2002)-- Congratulations were extended today to Chief David McKinnon, of the Halifax Regional Police, on being named an Officer of one of Canada's newest honours--- the Governor-General's Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
Mayor Peter Kelly, on behalf of Halifax Regional Council; Deputy Mayor Bob Harvey, Vice-Chair, on behalf of the Halifax Regional Police Commission; and Chief Administrative Officer George McLellan, on behalf of the employees of HRM, extended congratulations to Chief McKinnon on being named a recipient of this very prestigious award.
Mayor Kelly said "On behalf of Halifax Regional Council, I extend our heart-felt congratulations to Chief McKinnon on this very special occasion. We are proud that his hard work, commitment and dedication to improving police services in our community, as well as at the national level, have been recognized with this outstanding honour."
Deputy Mayor Harvey said" Chief McKinnon's investiture into the Order of Merit of Police Services not only speaks of his tremendous efforts personally over the years, but I believe also reflects on the high quality of policing services that we enjoy in the Halifax Regional Municipality."
Mr. McLellan said "Chief McKinnon serves as an excellent role model-not only to the many men and women who serve and protect our citizens as members of Halifax Regional Police, but to countless others in our community who have chosen public service as their vocation in life."
This is the first year for this new award and Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, recently announced the names of 23 police officers across the country who will be invested into the Order in Ottawa this Friday.
This new Order holds a prestigious position in the Canadian honours system. It is the civilian counterpart to the Order of Military Merit. The three levels of membership - Commander, Officer and Member - reflect long-term outstanding service with varying degrees of responsibility.
In October 2000, Her Majesty the Queen approved the creation of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces as a means of recognizing exceptional merit and service by active members and employees of the Canadian Police Forces, whose contributions extend beyond protection of the community. It has been an award in the military for many years and was approved for the police forces during the past year.
Subsequently, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, announced in March 2001 the creation of a new national honour, the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
In closing, Mayor Kelly said "Membership in the Order is based on the highest quality of citizenship, service to Canada, to the police profession, and to humanity-at- large. Through their activities, Members, Officers, and Commanders bring distinction to Canadian Police Services."
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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
Deputy Mayor Bob Harvey
(902) 488-4820
