I rise today to recognize an exceptional man for an even more exceptional honour. Joe Browne, Police Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, has been chosen to receive the Order of Merit of the Police Forces for his commitment to the country and his contributions to the career of policing.

The Canadian Police Services have a long history of service to the people of Canada. Officers and employees have distinguished themselves in many ways through volunteering, creating new programs to better service their communities or working extra hours to create a safer environment for Canadians. Chief Browne certainly fits this description.

Chief Browne began his career with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in 1983 and has worked in many sections of the force including on patrol, working criminal investigations, accident investigations, and inside Communications and Community Services.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1995, to inspector in 1997 and was district commander until his promotion to deputy chief of operations in 2001. It was our government�s pleasure to welcome him as Police Chief in March 2006.

While his academic achievements are many, it is his community involvement and personable style for which he is possibly best known. Morale is at an all-time high inside the RNC and as Minister of Justice, I would like to thank Chief Browne and his team for that achievement.

Chief Browne is a graduate of the Executive Development Program from the Centre for Management Development, at Memorial�s Faculty of Business Administration. His community involvement includes being a member of Rotary, a member of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council, and the chair of the Community Investment Committee of the United Way.

Chief Browne will participate in a ceremony in Ottawa later this month and receive a badge of the Order, similar to the Order of Military Merit, with a distinguishing ribbon of three equal bands of blue, gold and blue. The badge is a blue-enameled, straight-end cross and is edged in gold for Commanders and Officers, and silver for Members. I know he will wear it proudly, and that you, Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues will join me in congratulating Chief Browne on this honour and encourage him to keep up the great work he is doing within the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

2007 05 09                                   2:30 p.m.