Local MPPs honour residents with medals

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Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, centre, recently gave King Charles III Coronation Medals to, from left, Irene Mable Williams, Doug Sulman, Gary Conn, and Len Maynard.

MPPs Trevor Jones and Steve Pinsonneault recently handed out King Charles III Coronation Medals to a handful of area citizens.

Jones distributed the medals at the Royal Canadian Legion, Chatham Branch 642, to recognize outstanding individuals from the community for their exceptional contributions and achievements.

Receiving medals from the Chatham-Kent–Leamington MPP were Len Maynard, retired Warrant Officer after 30 years of service to Canada; Gary Conn, retired Chief of Police in Chatham-Kent; Doug Sulman, who was recognized for public service, Rotary Club, Heart & Stroke Association and for his 37 years as a municipal politician and three as a school board trustee; and Irene Mable Williams, who has been involved with the Royal Canadian Legion for the past 29 years.

Additional recipients who were unable to attend the ceremony include Marta Anderson, executive director of the Cross Border Institute at the University of Windsor, a fellow at the Wilson Institute, and former vice president at Gordie Howe International Bridge Crossing in charge of procurement; Clifford Hartwick, a retired police officer and volunteer; Wendy Parson, Leamington Rotarian and manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce; and Wes Thompson, who passed away in 2024, a man who was a mega ambassador and supporter of Blenheim, a philanthropist and long-time volunteer.

“It’s an honour to acknowledge these exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to our community,” Jones said in a media release. “Their dedication and hard work inspire us all, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to recognize their achievements.”

Meanwhile, Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, presented medals to Jim Blake, co-owner of the Chatham Voice, and radio station owner Greg Hetherington.

Blake is a longtime volunteer with a host of local organizations and was the first United Way of Chatham-Kent campaign chair to top the $2-million fundraising mark.

Hetherington has also been a longtime volunteer and supporter of all things Chatham-Kent and helped initiate the Need to Read program that brings radio broadcasters into the schools to read to children every week of the school year.

Others who are to receive medals from Pinsonneault include Steve Twynstra, Laurie Stanton, and Bert Vanderheide.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault, left, gives Jim Blake, co-owner of The Chatham Voice, a King Charles III Coronation Medal for his decades of commitment to the people of Chatham-Kent.

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