A longtime volunteer and program leader along with the co-chairs of Operation Red Nose Quinte received a Chief’s
Commendation at a meeting of the Belleville Police Service Board on Thursday.
Rick Watt, a volunteer at both the local and national levels for Operation Red Nose for almost 20 years, was recognized as
were the local program’s co-chairs for 2024 and 2025 – former Belleville Police Chief Mike Callaghan and realtor Patricia
Guernsey.
Watt, who could not be present to receive his commendation, was the founder of the local Red Nose chapter and inducted into
the national Hall of Fame in 2017.
Operation Red Nose allows those out celebrating during the Christmas season to call for v0lunteers who arrive
to take the revellers and their vehicles home safely at no charge, although donations are accepted to later be granted to community
organizations.
Belleville Police Service Chief Murray Rodd said Operation Red Nose reflects the very principles at the heart of the service,
proactive prevention and community partnership.
