The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize three outstanding police officers who were honoured last week at the Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement Conference.

Two Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers; Constable Tammy Madden, a senior constable in the RNC Major Crime Unit was named Officer of the Year, and Constable Lindsay Dillon, a senior constable with the RNC Intimate Partner Violence Unit, received the Mentoring and Coaching Award.

Cst. Madden was recognized for excellence in leadership, community service, mentoring and performance. Cst. Dillon was honoured for her efforts in the development of programs and policies to support women in law enforcement.

RCMP officer, Constable Heather Ellis received the bravery award for going above and beyond the call of duty. Now stationed at the Glovertown Detachment, Cst. Ellis was commended for her actions when in New Brunswick in 2015 she confronted a suspect armed with a rifle.

Mr. Speaker, these officers epitomize the crucial role our RNC and RCMP officers play in ensuring the safety and security of residents in this province – men and women who do outstanding work, both on and off duty.

I ask all honourable members to join me in congratulating these three distinguished officers on this well-deserved recognition.

Thank you.