Commissioner of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, Mitchell Harrigan, was presented with the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for Distinguished Service, thus becoming the first person in Anguilla to receive such an honour.

The presentation ceremony was held at Government House on Wednesday evening. He was presented with the medal by Governor Peter Johnstone in the presence of a number of invited persons. They included officials of Government, the public service, family and friends of the Commissioner and media representatives.

The Governor, who has responsibility for the Police Force, gave a rundown of Mr. Harrigan’s background starting from his education in Anguilla and St.Kitts, his private sector employment in the US Virgin Islands, St.Maarten and Anguilla and his enlistment in the Anguilla Police Force in May 1980. He traced Mr. Harrigan’s movement through the ranks of the Force to July 1998, when he was appointed Commissioner, and referred to the training he underwent over the years. Harrigan, who is on pre-retirement leave, is due to retire in February next year. He was awarded the Medal of Honour in 1992 and the Colonial Police Medal in 2000.

The Governor said Harrigan had earned the respect of his law enforcement colleagues in the region and in the United Kingdom. “His activities during the separation period are now part of the official history of Anguilla and the courageous spirit that was evident then continued throughout his period as a police officer in Anguilla. The Commissioner has been fearless, too, in his application of the law to everyone on the island showing no favour yet treating all with respect and using common sense and understanding when others might have resorted to stronger means to ensure compliance. He has shown concern for the men and women who work under his leadership and he has led by example, expecting everyone to strive to achieve the high personal standards set by himself.”

Speaking to the media afterwards, Mr Harrigan expressed thanks to the Governor for organising the presentation ceremony and to all who attended the function, including his colleagues.

He was delighted with the award which was first announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June this year. He said it was an example of what other members of the Force should strive to achieve. “It must tell people that it is because of good work and appreciation for what one has done for the community, and tells other persons in the Force that they must do their best in a professional manner,” Mr. Harrigan commented.

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