- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
London Police Service
London, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
December 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 90
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per chevron Gules and Azure, a chevron Argent between in chief a key and in base a beaver couchant on a log all within a bordure Or;
Crest
A tower Argent flying therefrom a banner of the Arms;
Supporters
Dexter a stag sinister a bear, both Or, gorged with a crown vallary Azure and standing on a grassy mound set with maple leaves, trillium flowers and peonies proper;
Motto
FACTA NON VERBA;
Badge
The Arms of the London Police Service within an annulet Azure edged and inscribed LONDON POLICE in letters Or ensigned by the Royal Crown and encircled by a wreath of maple leaves issuant from a trillium flower proper, in base a scroll Azure edged and inscribed with the Motto in letters Or;
Flag
Azure the Badge of the London Police Service, cantoned by maple leaves, trillium flowers and peonies proper;
Symbolism
Arms
The design is based on the emblem used by the City of London, including the colours and the beaver, which symbolizes industriousness. The key, modelled here on a cell block key, is indicative of London Police’s central role in maintaining the security of the city, as well as the trust between citizens and their police force. The border further emphasizes the Service’s role in security.
Crest
The tower emphasises the idea of security for the municipality, and the flag connects it to the police service.
Supporters
The deer and bear are the supporters of the unofficial arms of the City of London, differenced here by the use of the colour gold and the addition of “crowns vallary”, which are associated with policing. The maple leaves, trilliums and peonies are the national, provincial, and municipal floral emblems.
Motto
Meaning “Deeds, not words”, this phrase stresses the importance of action over talk, and was suggested by Zaia Lazar.
Badge
This follows the pattern of municipal police badges in Canada, with the Royal Crown indicating that the Police serve the Crown’s justice and the upholding of the constitution and the rule of law. The maple leaves and the trillium flower locate the police service in Canada and Ontario.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 17, 2007, in Volume 141, page 587 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Service