THE BATTLEFORDS — North Battleford's own Inspector Jesse Gilbert of the Battlefords RCMP Detachment, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces at a ceremony in Ottawa earlier this month.
The Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty over an extended period, usually at the local or regional/provincial level, which Gilbert says is for his over 19 years of service in Alberta and the North West Territories.
"So it's not for my work in Saskatchewan at all, because I've only been here for about a year and a half," Gilbert told the News-Optimist, noting that he began his work in Saskatchewan after moving to North Battleford in September 2022.
Gilbert joined 79 other newly-appointed members, 15 officers, and one commander from across Canada as the Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, invested them during two ceremonies at Rideau Hall on Feb 14. and 15.
"I'm still, I think, in the shock phase," Gilbert said.
"I really didn't expect it. And I still don't know who nominated me. But it was really nice," he added.
In a post on the City of North Battleford's Facebook page, Mayor David Gillan shared his thoughts on Gilbert's appointment.
"Since his arrival to our community in 2022, Inspector Gilbert has been instrumental in a number of positive community safety and overall wellbeing initiatives in North Battleford, and his leadership has provided excellent guidance for those serving under his command in the province’s largest detachment.”
