Posted:
(1:05 p.m.)
Earlier today, Superintendent (Retired) Don Spicer was promoted to the level of Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces at a ceremony in Quebec City, Quebec hosted by His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnson, Governor General of Canada. Supt. (Ret’d) Spicer was originally invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2005.
Supt. (Ret’d.) Spicer received the Officer designation for his commitment to building safer, stronger communities, particularly in his role as HRM’s first-ever Public Safety Officer. More specifically, he addressed the root causes of crime, fostered positive police-community relations and collaborated locally, provincially and nationally on innovative crime prevention and community development initiatives. He possesses a Bachelor of Arts (Policing) from Charles Sturt University in Australia.
After leaving policing late last year, Supt. (Ret’d) Spicer became the Executive Director of Shelter Nova Scotia, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness and moving people from crisis back to community. In this role, he continues to address some of the root causes of crime in our community, just as he did in policing.
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces 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. Three levels of membership reflect long-term, outstanding service: Commander (C.O.M.), Officer (O.O.M.) and Member (M.O.M.).
“Being invested in to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces is an honour which lauds the significant contributions of police officers to their respective communities and our country. Halifax Regional Police is very proud of Supt. (Ret’d) Spicer and his lasting contributions to our community, particularly in the public safety arena,” said Chief Jean-Michel Blais. “A promotion within the Order is a significant professional accomplishment that caps off his successful career in policing.”
Following are the HRP employees who have been invested in the Order of Merit of the Police Officers (in alphabetical order by rank):
- Chief (Ret'd) Frank Beazley, O.O.M.
- Deputy Chief (Ret'd) Tony Burbridge, O.O.M.
- Deputy Chief (Ret'd) Chris McNeil, O.O.M.
- Deputy Chief Bill Moore, O.O.M.
- Superintendent (Ret'd) Don Spicer, O.O.M.
- Glen Selig (civilian – Ret’d), M.O.M.