Longtime Stratford police Sgt. Matthew Peck awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal

Stratford police Sgt. Matthew Peck accepts his King Charles III Coronation Medal from Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae at a ceremony in Stratford March 26.

Stratford Police Service Sgt. Matthew Peck has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of more than two decades of public service, volunteerism and leadership in the Stratford community.

Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae presented the medal to Peck on the afternoon of March 26 during a ceremony at his Perth-Wellington constituency office, where Peck was joined by members of his family.

“Matthew has proven himself to be an integral part of the Stratford police force and a caring and active member of the community,” Rae said in a press release. “As an active member of local minor sports associations and, in his professional capacity, a major proponent for days of remembrance throughout the community, Matthew has clearly made significant contributions to the wellbeing of our community. It is an honour to recognize his contributions to Ontario and Canada with a King Charles III Coronation Medal.”

Peck, who has served with the Stratford Police Service for over 22 years, said he was deeply honoured to receive the award.

“I am thankful and honoured that someone took the time to nominate me,” he said. “I am even more grateful to receive it. I have found that as I have moved through the different stages of my life and career, that becoming involved in your community through volunteer work can be such a rewarding experience. It can be good for one’s perspective. It does not always take a lot of time or effort, and even small amounts can make a difference.”

Among his many contributions, Peck has volunteered with Stratford Minor Hockey and Stratford Minor Soccer, he serves on the board of directors for the Emily Murphy Centre, and he has led initiatives encouraging fellow officers to engage with the community. These include organizing police participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies, the Ontario Police Memorial and the Canadian Police Memorial.

“As public servants, police officers are committed to helping people, keeping our communities safe and solving problems,” said Stratford police Chief Greg Skinner. “It can often be a thankless job, but still, we try very hard to make a positive difference and enjoy the little wins that contribute to making our communities a better place to live, work and raise our families.

“Not only does Matt contribute to his community through his chosen profession as a police officer but also through his selfless commitment to volunteerism. Young people look for role models and mentors in their lives – someone to look up to, to emulate and follow. Matt is one of those people not only in the community but also in the police service. I congratulate Matt on this incredible achievement and appreciate what he does on a daily basis to professionally and positively represent the City of Stratford and the Stratford Police Service.”

To be eligible for the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recipients must have made significant contributions to Canada, Ontario, their region or community, or have achieved something abroad that brings credit to the country. Nominees must have been alive on May 6, 2023 – the date of His Majesty’s coronation.