Friday's Roast Beef House on Ottawa's Elgin St. is not the place you would expect the RCMP to decorate five employees with the force's highest honour. But at a private dinner Wednesday night, just as dessert was being served, RCMP Commissioner Bev Busson rose from the table and retrieved a box.

In it were five Commissioner's Commendations, to be presented to the special guests at the private dinner: Denise Revine; retired Staff Sgt. Ron Lewis; Chief Supt. Fraser Macaulay; Staff Sgt. Steve Walker; and Staff Sgt. Mike Frizzell.

"We were all appreciative and we wanted it to come from this commissioner because of the respect we have for her," said Lewis.

The group did not have the same respect for former commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli. In fact, just a few months ago, on March 28th, these five individuals delivered a scathing indictment of Zaccardelli's leadership before the House of Commons public accounts committee.

They accused Zaccardelli and other senior executives of the RCMP of covering up mismanagement of the force's pension and insurance funds. They also told MPs that when they tried to report what they felt was wrongdoing to management, they were punitively transferred and their careers suffered.

What a difference a few months has made. Since their explosive testimony, the four officers and the civilian employee have been vindicated and lauded for their efforts. In fact, last week a government commissioned report into their claims concluded that they should be recognized for trying to expose a serious wrong.

The minister of public safety, Stockwell Day, even acknowledged their suffering and congratulated them for their perseverance. And Wednesday night, in the company of family, they were bestowed with prestigious insignia for their uniforms recognizing outstanding service.

Ron Lewis says the theme that was emphasized at the private ceremony was one of team effort. "We worked as a team and could not accomplish what we did without each other. I said to my wife on the drive home that we [five] will always have a bond. We will go our separate ways, but always have a special bond."

The RCMP has now confirmed that a public ceremony is being planned to present the Commissioner's Commendation to the five employees. It will, no doubt, involve more pomp and ceremony than dinner at Friday's Roast Beef House. But the five who stood up for their rights say the commissioner's personal touch means just as much to them.