Superintendent Joseph Claude Patrice Thériault

  • Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Meritorious Service Decorations - Civil Division

  • Meritorious Service Medal

    • Awarded on: June 22, 1999
    • Invested on: September 10, 1999

    R.C.M.P. Superintendent (Ret'd) Joseph Claude Patrice Thériault, M.S.M., Fredericton, N.B.
    Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)

    In August 1995, Supt. Thériault served in the Former Yugoslavia as the Chief Commander of the UN Protection Force Civilian Police for Sector North at Topusko. When heavy fighting broke out in the region, thousands of Serbian civilians fled to Topusko. Supt. Thériault was among the United Nations personnel who attempted to broker a peace agreement to evacuate all refugees from the area. A long and arduous process resulted in a last-minute agreement. The success of the negotiations in the face of harassment and threats of violence upon the UN personnel and the refugees from both warring parties was due, in large measure, to Supt. Thériault's extraordinary professionalism and commitment.