Milton resident and current Peel Region police chief receives Ontario’s highest honour

Nishan Duraiappah, current police chief for Peel Region and a resident of Milton has been named a recipient of Ontario’s highest civilian honour.

Today, Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell made the announcement that Duraiappah, along with 23 others from across the province, has been appointed to the Order of Ontario.

Recipients are honoured for showing the highest level of excellence and achievement in any field, and whose impact has left a lasting legacy in the province, the country, or around the world.

In the announcement it was pointed out that Duraiappah is the highest ranking South Asian police officer in Ontario and the first Sri-Lankan Canadian of his rank across North America.

“He has dedicated his life to strengthening relations between the police and Ontario’s diverse communities through volunteer work, diversity initiatives, policing innovations, and outreach programs,” the announcement reads.

Born in Sri Lanka, Duraiappah began his career with Halton Regional Police in 1995 and served as a constable in uniform for several years in Milton, Halton Hills and Burlington.

Over the years he worked in several units within the department rising to deputy chief in 2015.

In 2019 Duraiappah was appointed chief of Peel Regional Police, a position he continues to hold.

A complete list of others from across the province who have also received the honour today can be found here.