Hosted at Government House this Investiture Also Included Four Long Service Awards and a CEO Commendation
Halifax, NS – Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) is proud to announce that four dedicated commissionaires—Elinor Clark, Margaret Kingsbury, Ralph Murphy, and Norman Sanford—have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of their outstanding service. This prestigious honour highlights their commitment to security, community service, and the values upheld by CNS.
This special occasion also marks the first official event for His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, in his role as patron of Commissionaires Nova Scotia. His Honour’s presence underscores the organization’s deep ties to the province and its ongoing intention to serve with excellence. Alongside Her Honour, Darlene Savage, the lieutenant-governor hosted CNS at Government House on Thursday, March 13.
“We are incredibly proud to see four of our own recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This prestigious honour is a testament to their unwavering dedication to service, their deep commitment to community, and their embodiment of the values that define Commissionaires Nova Scotia,” said Barry Pitcher, CEO of CNS. “As a proud employer of veterans and those who share dedication to duty, we remain committed to providing innovative and expert security services. These four recipients exemplify our mission every day, and we couldn’t be more pleased to celebrate their achievements.”
Commissionaire Elinor Clark, of Sydney, NS, has been with CNS for almost seven years and has dedicated over 38 years dedicated to education and growth of local Indigenous communities. Throughout her educational career, she has been widely recognized for her commitment to fostering positive community relationships and advancing education. Beyond her professional work, Clark has remained an active volunteer, contributing to organizations such as the local Ladies Auxiliary, Girl Guides of Canada, and the Canadian Diabetes Foundation.
Building on a distinguished 35-year career with the RCMP, primarily in British Columbia, Commissionaire Margaret Kingsbury, also of Sydney, NS, has been with CNS for nearly a decade. Specializing in serious crime investigations for over 25 years, she played a critical role in high-profile cases, including the Robert Pickton and Missing Women of Downtown Vancouver investigations. Kingsbury collaborated closely with the Vancouver Forensic Laboratory to develop DNA evidence-gathering procedures that are now the national standard, earning her recognition as a sought-after expert both in Canada and internationally. Before retiring, she led the British Columbia Missing Persons Centre as Sergeant in charge. Today, she continues her service through CNS and remains deeply involved in community initiatives, including the Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club and volunteer efforts with Loaves and Fishes, Pine Tree Park, and other local programs.
Similarly, Commissionaire Ralph Murphy, of Bedford, NS, brings decades of experience to CNS, having served for over 40 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). As the first Air Reserve Chief Warrant Officer, Murphy made history and earned a 1st Canadian Division Commendation. His dedication to mentoring young Canadians spans more than three decades with the Brookfield, 2 Wing Truro, and 5 Wing Amherst Cadet Squadrons, during which he served as a Liaison Officer and later as Commanding Officer for Brookfield. A committed community leader, he has also served as Sergeant at Arms with the Royal Canadian Legion in Lower Sackville and has been involved for over 27 years with the RCAF Association, including as past president. His commitment extends beyond military and security service—he organized his community’s Terry Fox Run for 12 years and remains actively involved in numerous volunteer initiatives.
Rounding out this admirable group, Commissionaire Norman Sanford, of Halifax, NS, has been a steadfast mentor and leader for over 43 years. Throughout his work with the Cadets of Canada, he has inspired and guided thousands of youths as they transition into adulthood. As a veteran of the Canadian Army and almost nine years with CNS, he is known for his positive leadership and unwavering dedication. Sanford has earned numerous accolades for his work. His commitment to mentorship continues through his service with CNS and his ongoing contributions to the broader community.
The investiture at Government House saw these four remarkable individuals receive their medals in addition to three Long Service Medals from CNS for 22 years with the Corps for Commissionaires Gerry Trask, James Scrivens and Margaret Hanlon, as well as a CEO Commendation for Commissionaire Bartlett Boutlier.
The achievements celebrated at this investiture reflect the core values of CNS—professionalism, inclusivity, innovation, and safety. The dedication and service demonstrated by these medal and award recipients exemplify CNS’s commitment to providing innovative and expert security services. As an organization built on a legacy of service, CNS takes immense pride in honouring those who have dedicated themselves to supporting their communities and country. Their contributions, both in uniform and beyond, continue to make a lasting impact, reinforcing the values that define CNS and its mission.
Left to Right: Cmre Gerry Trask; Cmre Margaret Kingsbury; Cmre Norman Sanford; Cmre Elinor Clark; Cmre Ralph Murphy; Her Honour Darlene Savage; His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia; CNS CEO Barry Pitcher; Cmre Bruce Ellis; Cmre Margaret Hanlon; Cmre James Scrivens; and Cmre Bartlett Boutilier. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer. Photographed in the Ballroom at Government House. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient, Commissionaire Elinor Clark and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient, Commissionaire Margaret Kingsbury and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient, Commissionaire Ralph Murphy and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipient, Commissionaire Norman Sanford and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.CNS Long Service Award, 22 Years, Commissionaire Bruce Ellis and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.CNS Long Service Award, 22 Years, Commissionaire Margaret Hanlon and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.CNS Long Service Award, 22 Years, Commissionaire James Scivens and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.CNS Long Service Award, 22 Years, Commissionaire Gerry Trask and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.Barry Pitcher, CEO of CNS awarding Commissionaire Bartlett Boutilier with a CEO Commendation. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.Barry Pitcher, CEO of CNS, CEO Commendation Recipient, Bartlett Boutilier and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.Barry Pitcher, CEO of CNS, making remarks. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia making remarks. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.Commissionaire Corey Campbell-Jones welcoming Dr. Christopher McCreery, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.Her Honour, The Honourable Darlene Savage and Commissionaire Kingsbury chatting during the reception at Govornment House in the Drawing Room and Dining Room. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.Cmre Kingsbury; CNS CCS. Stacey Wiper; Cmre Clark and CNS COO, Rebecca Landry chat in the Dining Room during the reception at Government House. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.John Miller of the CNS Board of Governors chats with Cmre Scrivens during reception at Government House. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.Steve Graham, of the CNS Board of Governors speaks with Cmre Sanford during reception. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.District Manager Andy Parker speaks with Anne Espnant of the CNS Board of Governors during the reception. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer. Commissionaire Ralph Murphy and family pictured with Her Honour, The Honourable Darlene Savage and His Honour, The Honourable Mike Savage, ONS, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.Lisette Hachey, CNS CFO and District Manager, Justin Tyner at Government House during the reception. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer. Left to Right: Aides de Camp Inspector Blair Bannerman Lieutenant Commander Dani Lapham and Corporal Catherine Gillis; Dr. Christopher McCreery, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and Kelly Clelland, Event Planner, Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Image Courtesy of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia: Michael Creagen, Photographer.
