The Chatham-Kent Police Service has announced that on Thursday February 15, 2024, Chief Gary Conn was elevated from Member to Officer within the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General of Canada, during the Investiture Ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Created in October 2000, the order is administered by the Governor in Council, on behalf of the Canadian Monarch, police officials say.
It was created to recognize a commitment to this country and to honour a career of exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by officers or civilians of Canadian Police Services.
It is honour based on the highest qualities of citizenship, service to Canada, to the police community and to humanity at large.
Appointment to the order recognizes conspicuous merit and exceptional service, the level of which is reflected by the organization’s three hierarchical grades.
These grades range from Members, Officers and Commanders of the Order who bring distinction to policing and support the concept of police cooperation in public service.
These three levels of membership reflect long term outstanding service with varying degrees of responsibility.
Chief Conn began his policing career 29 years ago and has served as our Chief of Police for the past nine years.
He was originally inducted as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2018.
Through his achievements in the field of policing, leadership, professionalism, volunteerism, and his ability to foster relationships between police services and the community at both the municipal and provincial levels have warranted this elevation.
“I am incredibly humbled to be the recipient of this award and to attend yesterday’s ceremony with many of my distinguished colleagues from across Canada who all share the same commitment and passion for community safety and well-being,” Chief Conn stated in a media release.
“I am further honoured to continue to work with the dedicated members and Board of the Chatham-Kent Police Service whose selfless service to others, have made this day possible.”
