Two familiar faces were in Ottawa recently to receive the Order of Merit by the Governor General. EPS Staff Sergeant Michael Elliott and former EPS Inspector Joel Whittaker were given the prestigious award in a special ceremony.

Inspector Joel Whittaker served 32 years with EPS and retired in 2018. He is now with the RCMP.

"It was quite a surprise to me. The RCMP nominated me, but the irony is that most of the information they provided to meet the qualification was really the work I've done with EPS," says Insp. Whittaker. "I was even more happy when I heard that."

Insp. Whittaker started with EPS on March 17, 1986, with Recruit Class #70 and was a constable in West Division after graduation. After spending time in patrol, Whittaker joined the Tactical Unit and spent six years there, which he credits as one of the highlights of his career.

"Probably out of the 32 years, my last six in the duty office were the best and most rewarding. It's a lot of fun as a duty officer, high stress, but fun," says Insp. Whittaker. 

Whittaker retired from EPS and moved to the RCMP, and is now working in their duty office program, where he plans to retire from law enforcement on March 18 – almost the same day as his first day at EPS.

"I planned it like that. As close as I could to the day that I started," says Insp. Whittaker, who thought it would be a nice way to close the loop on 38 years in law enforcement. That is, until one afternoon when he was checking his email and found out he was a recipient of the Order of Merit. 

"I found out last July while I was sitting on my deck. I got this email from the federal government congratulating me for something, and initially, I didn't even read it because it was just one of many emails," he admits. "I had to google it to find out what it was for."

Much like Whittaker, S/Sgt. Elliott didn’t know he was nominated for the Order of Merit until he received a letter in the mail.

“I had no idea and was truly surprised,” says S/Sgt. Elliott who had been nominated for his extensive work in mental health.

“It’s definitely a highlight of my career—to assist members in acquiring the help they need to overcome their mental traumas as a result of some of the calls and to help break down the stigma of mental health for our members and the community,” says Elliott.

The Order of Merit is given to about 80 police officers nationwide for exceptional service in law enforcement and armed services.

Both officers and their families attended the ceremony with the Governor General and the other recipients on February 14. 

“I was proud to receive the Order along with fellow colleagues. I knew some of their personal and professional sacrifices to help their community. It was a humbling and emotional experience like no other,” says Elliott.

When asked if he has any advice for police officers just starting in their career, Whittaker offered this:

"It sounds cliché, but just work hard and follow the rules. Find a mentor who can help you along the way. I did. There are a lot of good mentors out there. Also, don't stay stagnant in one area. Move around. Find what you like and pursue that. It sure doesn't seem like 38 years. It flew by! It was a good run."

And S/Sgt Elliott:

“Stay true to yourself and your family. Ensure you have supports around you to help with your mental and physical health. Enjoy your career as it is truly like no other. Take care of yourself because it’s the most powerful way to take care of others.”

From everyone at EPS, congratulations on the Order of Merit!

And congratulations to Insp. Whittaker on an impressive 38-year career. Enjoy your retirement!