Shelburne Police Chief Kent Moore receives Order of Merit distinction

Written By MARNI WALSH

Shelburne Police Chief, Kent Moore was honoured with the Order of Merit for Police Forces on Oct. 31 at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. 

On hand to present the award was Brenda Lucki, Commissioner of the RCMP, and Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada.

The Order of Merit was created in 2000 to recognize conspicuous merit and exceptional service by members and employees of Canadian police forces whose contributions extend beyond protection of the community. Chief Moore's award recognizes exceptional service and performance of duty over an extended period of time.

In response to the Free Press this week, Chief Moore said, “I want to first express my thanks to our previous Police Service Board Chair, Len Mikulich, for nominating me for this award. It is an extensive process and takes considerable effort to complete the nomination. He did this without me knowing, therefore when I received communication from the Governor General's office that I was receiving this award I was extremely humbled at this unexpected honour.”

“For me, policing and living  in this community has always been about working together as police officers and community members to build a safe and thriving community,” said Chief Moore. “It has been about putting aside personal interests for the betterment of the whole community. I think it is incumbent upon each of us, regardless of our official role or title, to do all we can to ensure we put others first and take care of our community.” 

Born in Markdale and raised in Badjeros, Moore started as a 4th Class Constable with the Shelburne Police Service in 1987 when the population of Shelburne was just 2,800. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November of 1999 and on January 1, 2005 he became the Chief of the Shelburne Police Service. In January of 2007, Moore received the 20 Year Exemplary Service medal and in September of 2013 the Chief received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal.

Reflecting on his most recent acclamation, Chief Moore said, “It was a significant honour to be in the company of the 36 other award recipients who are from across Canada. I continue to be thankful for the support of my family, friends and our community, and humbled by this entire process.”