Six Nova Scotians Receive Order of Merit

Justice Minister Jamie Muir today acknowledged six Nova Scotians who received the Order of Merit of the Police Forces from Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson.

In a speech to open the 2003 spring conference of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, the minister said he was proud of the efforts of the recipients.

"There were 33 awards presented across Canada and six of them went to Nova Scotians involved in police work. Each recipient can be very proud of being recognized at this high level," said Mr. Muir. "I thank them for their devoted service to communities across this province."

The recipients include: Assistant Commissioner Dwight Bishop, RCMP; Chief Edgar MacLeod, Cape Breton Regional Police; Sgt. Kevin Scott, New Glasgow Police Service; Deputy Commissioner Terry Ryan, RCMP; Robert Purcell, formerly of the RCMP and now an employee of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, and Insp. Ronald Sherwood, RCMP.

The Order of Merit of the Police Forces is a fellowship of honour that recognizes exemplary police service. This is the second year it has been awarded.

Persons admitted to the order must be a serving member or employee of a police service at the time of appointment. The award recognizes their contribution to criminal investigations, uniformed patrol, training and development, research and publications. It recognizes achievements made over the course of a nominee's career, not just a single incident or event.

Contributions fostering better relationships among police services in Canada and throughout the world can be an important consideration.