Investiture Ceremony of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presided at the investiture ceremony of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The Order was created in October 2000 to recognize conspicuous merit and exceptional service by members and employees of the Canadian police forces whose contributions extend beyond protection of the community. Three levels of membership—Commander, Officer and Member—reflect long-term, outstanding service. Each level has corresponding post-nominal letters: C.O.M., O.O.M. and M.O.M.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Staff Sergeant Major William Henry Sparkes, M.O.M., from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to acting Sergeant Katherine (Kathy) J. Macdonald, M.O.M., from the Calgary Police Service, Alberta

In addition to being public and peace officers, police officers are sometimes called upon to play the role of community workers, psychologists, teachers, mediators, or to be the first ones to respond in emergency situations.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Sergeant Jean Lamothe, M.O.M., Ottawa Police Service, Ontario.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Inspector John Clifton House, M.O.M., from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, St. John’s.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Provincial Constable Richard J. Ellins, M.O.M., from the Ontario Provincial Police, Paris.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the insignia of Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces to Assistant Commissioner Stephen William Graham, O.O.M. from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Halifax, Nova Scotia;

We owe so much of the security and freedom that is abundant in this country to the high ethical standards of our police forces, to their professionalism and their commitment.

Principal Commander William J.S. Elliott, C.O.M., Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, congratulates the recipients and their families.