8 Wing Chief Warrant Officer Darcy Elder (L) and Commander Colin Keiver (R) listen as Major Ray Van Den Berg from the Hastings Prince Edward regiment speaks at the unveiling of the new Belleville police cruisers that support the military. The new cruisers were unveiled at a special ceremony at the Belleville Cenotaph on Friday April 21, 2017. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
In a symbolic gesture of support and unification for members of the Canadian Forces, veterans and their families, the Belleville Police Service has embossed its new police cruisers with a yellow Support Our Troops ribbon.
At a special ceremony at the cenotaph in Belleville on Friday, Police Chief Ron Gignac unveiled the first of its new-look police cruisers.
Belleville’s new police cruiser. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
The black reflective Chevrolet Tahoe cruiser with red and white Belleville police decals will be phased in over four years through attrition. Chief Gignac said the cruiser is recognizable for increased visibility and added traffic safety and community patrol.
Once a member of the Canadian Forces, Chief Gignac said it is important to honour the silver cross families, veterans and serving Canadian Forces members in the Quinte area with the support ribbon.
Belleville Police Chief Ron Gignac speaks to crowd at the cruiser unveiling. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
8 Wing CFB Trenton Commander Colin Keiver said the tribute is humbling as the military and emergency services are like a brotherhood.
8 Wing Commander Colin Keiver,
Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis said the recognition of men and women who serve is part of a big picture that started with the Veterans Bridge and Veterans Way.
Prince Edward Hastings MPP Todd Smith echoed Ellis’ sentiments on the importance of honouring the military.
The Belleville Police Association also presented a $1,000 cheque to the Support Our Troops yellow ribbon campaign.
Cheque presentation. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
The Belleville police, members of the Canadian Forces, local politicians and Dominium Assitance Dogs representatives pose for photo with the new police cruiser that features a yellow “Support Our Troops” ribbon on the back. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
