Manitoulin Island Ontario Provincial Police's longest-serving full-time member has been recognized with an OPP Accolade award for his dedication to the service, according to a news release.

Provincial Const. Al Boyd joined the OPP in 1981. He was assigned to the Manitoulin detachment where he has served ever since, “dedicating himself to his family, his policing career and his community,” said the OPP in the news release.

The Accolade award recognizes an individual whose actions and behaviours demonstrate and/or exceed commitment to the OPP and their communities; excellent and consistent performance; exceptional customer service over a sustained period; strong support for colleagues; team spirit; a commitment to professional or personal learning; sharing ideas to increase program efficiency and effectiveness; humanitarian actions that personify OPP values; exemplary efforts in assisting the public in unfortunate circumstances; and selfless personal investment off the job requiring time and effort in support of someone else that goes beyond the pursuit of personal success and recognition.

Boyd holds the position of community service officer for Manitoulin detachment, North East Region. His strong work performance and exceptional skill set, including a background in community services, media relations, crisis negotiation and amateur radio, makes him a valuable asset to the OPP and the communities he serves, said Staff Sgt. Kevin Webb, Manitoulin detachment commander.

“It was my pleasure to nominate Al for an Accolade Award,” said Webb in a news release. “Since joining the OPP, he has developed his role through outstanding and significant support to his colleagues at all rank levels, both uniformed and civilian.

“Al brings an enthusiastic professionalism to the projects he is involved with and his ideas and opinions respected. On a day-to-day basis, he consistently contributes to the goals and objectives of the OPP in service to the people of Ontario”