MOOSE JAW — The provincial government has honoured SIX Moose Jaw-area members in the fields of emergency service and the military with awards that recognizes their decades of service in Saskatchewan and Canada.
The Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, His Honour the Honourable Russ Mirasty, awarded the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal to three members of 15 Wing Moose Jaw and two members of the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) during a ceremony at Government House in Regina on Sept. 3.
Lt.-Col. Kevin Tipper, commander of 15 Wing Operations Support Squadron, Maj. Marvin Macauley, flight standards officer at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School and Sgt. Davor Valentic, 15 Wing Air Reserve chief clerk, from 15 Wing, and Staff Sgt. Cam Lewis and Const. Murray Rice with the MJPS were among the 192 service members of Saskatchewan to receive this year’s medal.
Also, during the ceremony, Col. Dan Coutts, base commander at 15 Wing, received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Being a member of the MJPS has been a part of Lewis’ life for 25 years. Over those three decades, he has worked in the Community Policing Division and Criminal Investigation Section. He has also served as a constable, corporal, sergeant, and staff sergeant in those two units. Additionally, Lewis was part of a joint Organized Crime Unit with the RCMP.
“It’s easy to lose track of what this career entails,” he said. “It was a nice reminder that I’ve spent almost half my life in the Moose Jaw Police Service. Receiving this award from the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, was a tremendous honour.”
Rice has also been a member of the Moose Jaw Police Service for 25 years. During his time within the agency, he has worked in various units within the service, including the Community Policing Division, Criminal Investigation Section, and the Forensic Identification Unit.
Established in 2003, the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal recognizes exemplary long service — more than 25 years — for individuals working in a direct capacity to protect people and/or property and supervisory personnel in the public service sectors who ensure the safety, security and protection of Saskatchewan’s citizens.
Recipients have served in various emergency services fields including, but not limited to police, fire, federal and provincial corrections, border services, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Armed Forces, and mobile crisis and family violence outreach services.
Recipients receive a circular medal surmounted by St. Edward's Crown and a certificate signed by the Lieutenant Governor, premier and provincial secretary. The medal bears the motto Qui civitatem tuentur (who guard the citizenry).
Besides this medal ceremony, the province held a medal ceremony in Saskatoon on Sept. 10.
Meanwhile, The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a tangible way to acknowledge significant contributions and achievements of citizens across the country while also honouring His Majesty’s service to Canada.
In recognition of The King’s Coronation, the Government of Canada established the King Charles III Coronation Medal program, which will run from May 6, 2024, to March 31, 2025. The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General will administer the distribution of 30,000 medals on behalf of the Government.
For information about the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal, click here.
For information about The King Charles III Coronation Medal, click here.
