Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn has been appointed a new role within the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
The 29-year police veteran was elevated from Member to Officer within the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon during an Investiture Ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Thursday.
Conn was first inducted as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2018.
“I am incredibly humbled to be the recipient of this award and to attend (Thursday’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,” Conn said in the release.
According to the release, the order is administered by the Governor in Council on behalf of the Canadian Monarch. It was established in October 2000.
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.
Appointment to the order recognizes conspicuous merit and exceptional service, reflected by the organization’s three hierarchical grades, the release said.
These grades range from Members, Officers, and Commanders of the Order.
"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," Conn said in the release.