_ Presentation of the Long Service

and Good Conduct Medal

OUR LAST issue carried the announce- ment of Regulation 90, made under the Police and Prisons’ Regulation Act, which provides for the award of a medal to members of the Force with twenty or more year’s service, the last ten of which

have been served without censure or reprimand.

After the medal was struck, and lists of those members and ex-members who

were eligible for the decoration had been

prepared, the question of suitable presen- tation ceremonies had to be considered.

It was obviously impossible to gather all the recipients to one central point for a mass presentation. Furthermore, con- sideration had to be given the friends and relatives of those about to be decorated

for long and faithful service. So the Conimissioner arranged to have the pre- sentations made at a number of points throughout the Province, with an appro- priate ceremony in each case, to which representative members of the community were invited.

A number of ex-members rejoined their former colleagues to receive this token of appreciation for their past services.

Serving members of the Force up to the

SEVENTEENTH EDITION

rank of staff-sergt. were afso presented with a monetary award from the Police Reward Fund as an added gratuity for long service and good conduct:

Rendering justice to these men is diffi- cult. Their aggregate service totals 1287 years, during which they have laboured in the public interest. From time to time in the pages of this magazine, we have tried to interpret the work of the Force, and of the men who make it up.

The “old-timers,” as in any large organization, form the backbone of the Foree. The younger men benefit from the hard-earned experience of the older mem- bers, learning alike from success and failure. Much comes to a man in twenty years, both good and bad. He becomes more mellowed and understanding. His judgement is tempered with greater know- ledge of human nature. Time has applied the brakes of experience to the impetuous- ness of youth, and he graduates from a guardian of the peace, to a friend and counsellor of man.

The old-time policeman’s advice is often sought by members of the community in which he serves. Far removed from the sphere of his duties are some of the problems brought to him, and usually he acquits himself quite creditably. Many a juvenile problem has been brought to his attention by an anxious parent, and a little quiet talk and friendly advice have smoothed over the troubled family, and perhaps avoided incipient juvenile revolt before irreparable harm was done. Many a domestic affair has been satisfactorily adjusted, and a reconciliation effected through the “Old-timers’’’ homespun philosophy and understanding of young people and their problems.

Many a community can thank the local policeman for arranging youth activities which took the youngsters off the streets and gave them a wholesome outlet for their exuberance, and thus saved them from the heartache of a “juvenile prob- lem”.

The “old-timer” has tried to earn public respect and support, by strict adherence to a code in which integrity, justice, and understanding, coupled with a high ethical standard have been paramount. Thus he seeks to raise the standard of his profes- sion to the dignity it deserves.

Perhaps it might be as well if we let

the local newspapers tell the story. These excellent interpreters of public opinion, reflecting the spirit of the communities they serve so well, covered the presenta- tions and attendant ceremonies. No doubt all of our readers will be interested in what they have to say.

VANCOUVER DAILY SUN October 10th, 1946. FORTY-ONE OFFICERS have been

given the award, according to Commis- sioner T. W. S. Parsons. Two others

transferred last year to the Motor Vehicle Branch also get the award.

On state occasions they may wear the medal. On their uniforms they will wear a ribbon of myrtle green with two coloured stripes. .

Commissioner Parsons said that in addition to those now on the force, the medal will be given to members who are in retirement after serving 20 years if they apply.

It is the first medal ever struck by the B.C. Government and actually worn.

As long ago as 1912 the government struck a medal for six Indian chiefs who delivered up two murderers. But the Indians spurned the award, holding it was blood-tainted.

Police officers will put on their ribbon

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