Eight RCMP Employees Recognized for their Outstanding Service in Policing

OTTAWA – Wednesday, May 9, 2012 – Today, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, accompanied by Commissioner Bob Paulson of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Principal Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, invested 34 individuals, including eight RCMP employees, into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to policing.

"I congratulate the employees of the RCMP, and all recipients, who were invested into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces today," said Commissioner Bob Paulson. "It is a prestigious honour that recognizes the dedication and commitment to policing that the recipients demonstrate throughout their careers. Nominated by their peers, these men and women exemplify the extraordinary efforts police officers make every day to protect and serve Canadians."

"I commend the exceptional men and women who have today received awards for their outstanding commitment and achievements in policing," said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety. "The RCMP plays a critical role in protecting our citizens and communities. Your important work upholds our government’s commitment to tackling crime and to keeping Canadians safe."

There are three levels of membership within the Order: Commander of the Order of Merit (C.O.M.), Officer of the Order of Merit (O.O.M.) and Member of the Order of Merit (M.O.M.).

The following RCMP employees were invested today into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces:

• S/Sgt. Patrick Adrian Cahill, M.O.M. – "B" Division, Placentia, Newfoundland
• Insp. Richard Wayne Votour, M.O.M. – "J" Division, Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Retired Sgt. Michael J. MacDonald, M.O.M. – "O" Division, Milton, Ontario
• Sgt. Daniel Patrick Russell, M.O.M. – "O" Division, London, Ontario
• Retired Director General Robert C. Fahlman, O.O.M. – NHQ Division (Nominated last year)
• A/Commr. Roger L. Brown, O.O.M. – "Depot" Division, Regina, Saskatchewan
• C/Supt. Richard Bruce Taylor, M.O.M. – "K" Division, Edmonton, Alberta
• Insp. Trent Rolfe, M.O.M. – "E" Division, Surrey, British Columbia

The Order of Merit of the Police Forces is an honour based on the highest qualities of citizenship, service to Canada, to the police community and to humanity at large. The Order recognizes exceptional merit, contributions to policing and community development.

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