Timmins police chief honoured by Governor General

For the first time, a Timmins Chief of Police has received the distinct honour of the Order of Merit by the Governor General.
Chief Constable Richard Laperriere of the Timmins Police Service snapped to attention at Rideau Hall in Ottawa at 11:00 a.m. yesterday in front of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada.

Laperriere was invested into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces along with other police officers from across Canada.
Laperriere was notified of the honour earlier this month, but kept it quiet. The information was released this week Deputy Police Chief Des Walsh.
“The Order Of Merit Of The Police Forces honours a career of exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of Canadian Police Services and recognizes their commitment to our country,” Walsh stated in a news release.
“The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing, and community development.”
Established in October 2000, the Order of Merit of the Police Forces is a fellowship of honour based on the highest qualities of citizenship, service to Canada, to the police community and to humanity at large. There are three levels which reflect long-term outstanding service with varying degrees of responsibility: Commander, Officer and Member.
The governor general presented Chief Laperriere with his honour as a “Member” of the Order Of Merit during the ceremony.
Chief Laperriere commenced his career with the Timmins Police Service in January of 1978. Earlier this year he received an Exemplary Service award from the Governor General upon completion of thirty years of service.
“All of our staff are quite proud of the achievements of Chief Laperriere and his dedication to our organization”, said Walsh.
“His commitment to forging partnerships between the police service and the community is outstanding. This investiture is an exceptional honour not only for Chief Laperriere, but for the Timmins Police Service as a whole.”