London's Chief of Police John Pare has been appointed to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
Governor General David Johnston made the announcement yesterday.
The Order of Merit is meant to honour a career of exceptional service.
Chief Pare has been with the London Police Service for 26 years. He spent two years with the LaSalle Police Service before coming to the Forest City.
Pare is considered an expert in investigative strategies and the issue of mental health and policing. He has been a member of the Provincial Human Services and Justice Co-ordinating Committee, he has done work with the Ontario Association of Chief's Of Police and has influenced the government's policy for those with mental health issues who come into contact with the justice system.
On a local level, Pare has overseen the restructuring of mental health services in the city and implemented the mental health mobile response teams at hospitals to reduce police involvement time. He served as a member for the Steering Committee for the Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health Summit.
He also meets with police leaders from across Ontario to address issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and attendance.
Pare was London's Deputy Chief before being appointed Chief of Police in May.