Detectives in Russell Williams case honoured by Governor General

OPP Superintendent Chris Nicholas among 77 police officers and civilians honoured by the Governor General. Nicholas was awarded for his investigative work that led to the arrest and conviction of Russell Williams.

The Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, is recognizing police officers and civilians from around the country.

“This order recognizes exceptional police and community development work over the course of a career” said Johnston.

The Order of Merit of the Police Forceshonoured 77 police and civilian members.

Among those recognized, Ontario Provincial Police Superintendent Chris Nicholas and Detective Inspector Jim Smyth, two of the officers responsible for the arrest and conviction of former Canadian Forces Colonel Russell Williams.

“It’s very humbling” says Smyth, “if I had my way there would be hundreds of people in here sharing this award with me today.”

“Extremely proud and pretty emotional” added Nicholas, “really happy that my wife could be here and that my Mom could be here to share it with me.”

Nicholas and Smyth have spent the last few years travelling the world, speaking with police services in Australia, Europe and most recently the FBI in New York, about the Williams case.  Nicholas hopes other officers can learn from their successes and from what they could have done better, “just so that if we ever get a person like this (Williams) out in our community again we can catch him a little quicker.”

Several members of the Ottawa Police Service were also honoured at the ceremony on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 including; Chief Charles Bordeleau, Staff Sergeant Lynne Turnbull, Director General Debra Frazer and Director Randy Mar.