April 03, 2003 - 03:01 pm

GOVERNOR GENERAL INVESTS CHIEF FANTINO INTO ORDER OF MERIT OF THE POLICE FORCES

Corporate Communications
416-808-7100

On Friday April 4, 2003 Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada will present Chief Julian Fantino, and 32 of his distinguished colleagues in policing, with their insignia of membership into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.

This Order of Merit recognizes members and employees of Canadian police forces who have demonstrated conspicuous merit and exceptional service beyond the protection of the community.

There are three levels of membership – Commander, Officer and Member that reflect varying degrees of responsibility. Chief Fantino will receive the C.O.M. (Commander of Merit).

This second investiture ceremony will take place on FRIDAY APRIL 4, 2003 at 10:30 am, at RIDEAU HALL, Ottawa.

Additional information can be obtained by visiting the web site for the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General at

http://www.gg.ca/media/appointments/archive-2003/20030331_e.asp.

Upon hearing the news of the Order of Merit, Chief Fantino said, “I am honoured to be recognized along with so many of my colleagues in policing”.

This Order is presented as Chief Fantino runs for Vice President at Large of the International Association of Chiefs of Police where he has demonstrated leadership and shared innovative ideas and concepts on current policing issues such as organized crime, community policing and child exploitation.

Louise Gray, Corporate Communications