Ucluelet’s top cop has been named to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
Sgt. Jeff Swann will travel with his family to Ottawa next month where he will be honoured at a special ceremony at Rideau Hall.
“We’re really excited about that...It’s a pretty special honour,” Swann told the Westerly.
“Especially in policing, you don’t get a lot of recognition. We choose the job so I’m not whining by any means, but typically we deal with people that don’t like police, that don’t want the police there, that don’t want to see your smiling face, so to get recognized from your peers and your supervisors is pretty special.”
Swann is one of about 30 police officers across Canada to be added to the Order this year.
“The Member of the Order of Merit recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty over an extended period,” according to Governor General of Canada his Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston’s website.
Swann said the fulfillment he has received from his 19 years of RCMP service has been the impetus for his motivation and success.
“When you go to work and you have fun at what you’re doing and you like what you’re doing, I think that you put out a better product,” he said.
“I enjoy this job and, at the end of the day, I enjoy going to work. I enjoy meeting people and solving cases and issues and working with people.”
The honour of being named a Member of the Order of Merit will add a permanent acronym to Swann’s name and he said he plans to wear his M.O.M. title with pride.
“I’m not going to go around flaunting it, but it’s something to be proud of and I couldn’t be prouder of this organization so to be recognized for that, I think, is a pretty important part of the award,” he said.
“If people ask what it’s for you can tout the success of the RCMP.”
Andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca