‘Modern-Day Veteran’ Lauded for Service to Canada

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“We like Commissionaires because they come trained in security and first aid, they have organizational and leadership skills, and above all, they are dependable. You know what you are going to get when you engage the service of a commissionaire.” Gary Paulson, Prince Rupert Port Authority.

News Article

The Maple Leaf, Vol. 11, No. 33
October 8, 2008

Sergeant (Ret) Bill Jones, a CF veteran and commissionaire who has devoted 71 years of his life to Canada, received the Distinguished Service Medal at Commissionaires Ottawa’s annual awards presentation ceremony. His wife, Ellen, also a veteran and former commissionaire, was by his side.

“I am so happy!" Sgt Jones said. “I was asked to attend the annual awards ceremony and didn't know why, because I was not receiving a long service medal this year. When the CEO spoke, I began to realize that he might be talking about me. It was a very big, pleasant surprise. I felt very honoured.”

Born March 2, 1920, Sgt Jones served nine years in the RAF and 15 in the RCAF. He left service for 14 years to work as a contactor to the federal government before joining Commissionaires Ottawa in 1982. Through most of his years of service as a commissionaire, he has been deployed to support the RCMP.

“Bill is a modern-day veteran, characterizing traditional values and yet eager to adapt to the advanced tools and practices that will lead us into the future,” Commissionaires Ottawa CEO Captain(N) (Ret) Paul Guindon said during the September 24 ceremony. “As a man who has courageously served our country, Bill exemplifies the four cornerstones of commissionaires’ values – dedication, trust, loyalty and honesty. His work ethic is exceptional.”

The Distinguished Service Medal is one of the most prestigious awards issued by Commissionaires. It was established by the national board in June 1989 to recognize distinguished service of significance above and beyond the faithful performance of duty.

Today, there are 17 independently operated Commissionaires offices representing every Canadian province and territory. The organization employs more than 19 000 men and women throughout Canada, of all ages and from many walks of life including, but not limited to, former CF personnel.

For more information about Commissionaires, visit www.commissionaires.ca.

With files from the Commissionaires Ottawa Communications Team.

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