It is my pleasure to advise you that today, Tuesday September 9, 2014, at a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Chief Constable Downie was invested by His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, as an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
The Order was established in 2000 and is a fellowship of honour based on the highest qualities of citizenship, service to Canada, to the police community and to humanity at large. Through their activities, Members, Officers, and Commanders of the Order bring distinction to policing and support the concept of police cooperation in public service. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing, and community development made over one’s career which fosters better relationships among police services in Canada.
Through his significant service on numerous Boards, Committees, and as Chair at a local, provincial, and national level, Chief Constable Downie has displayed a commitment to exceptional policing and devotion to duty necessary to be worthy of such a highly regarded award.
Deputy Chief Scott Green
ORDER OF MERIT OF THE POLICE FORCES FACT SHEET
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 forces, and recognizes their commitment to this country. The primary focus is on exceptional merit, contributions to policing and community development.
The commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Principal Commander of the Order, submits recommendations for appointment to the governor general on behalf of an advisory committee. Nominations for appointment to the Order may be made by submitting the name of a member or employee of a police force to the commanding officer of that police force.
Levels and post-nominals
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Sovereign of the Order; the governor general is the chancellor and one of the Commanders of the Order. The Principal Commander is the commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Commander – Post-nominals: C.O.M.
Recognizes outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility over an extended period, usually at the national or international level.
Officer – Post-nominals: O.O.M.
Recognizes outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility over an extended period, usually at the regional or provincial level.
Member – Post-nominals: M.O.M.
Recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty over an extended period, usually at the local or regional/provincial level.
Insignia Description
The badge of the Order is the same as that of the Order of Military Merit: a blue-enamelled, straight-end cross (four arms, narrow at the centre, wider at the ends) with an annulus in red, surmounted by St. Edward’s Crown. The ribbon is different and consists of three equal bands of blue, gold and blue. The annulus bears the inscription MERIT.MÉRITE.CANADA.
For more information about the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, visit the Honours section of the website at www.gg.ca/honours or visit the website of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police at www.cacp.ca.