Dijon’s Patrick Pétot De Min Honored with National Order of Merit

Dijon, France – Patrick Pétot De Min, president of the Civil Protection branch in Côte-d’Or, was promoted to Officer of the National Order of Merit on February 20, 2026. The insignia were presented by François Rebsamen, president of Dijon Métropole, during a ceremony held at the community’s headquarters Infos-Dijon.

A Longstanding Commitment to Civil Protection

Pétot De Min has served as president of the Côte-d’Or branch of Civil Protection since 2009. Rebsamen highlighted the dedication of Pétot De Min and the broader “family of Civil Protection,” recognizing their commitment to the motto of “facilitate, rescue, train.” Infos-Dijon

He was already a Knight of both the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit prior to this promotion. Infos-Dijon, Bien Public

Fighting “the Ravages of Drugs” and Beyond

Rebsamen also commended Pétot De Min’s work in combating drug abuse, noting his long-standing commitment to prevention. Infos-Dijon

Pétot De Min’s career has been marked by diverse experiences, including service in the army, positions at Bourgogne Electronique and SNCF and involvement with organizations like Emmaüs Côte-d’Or and the Dijon Rugby club. Infos-Dijon, Bien Public

Key Contributions and Past Roles

Throughout his career, Pétot De Min has led several strategic initiatives, including organizing train transport to Rome for Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005 and heading the mission during the 2016 Islamist attack in Nice. Infos-Dijon

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he mobilized Civil Protection to support the implementation of “vaccinobus” and the Chenôve vaccination center. Infos-Dijon

In 2025, the Côte-d’Or Civil Protection, under his leadership, provided first aid at 540 events and assisted 1,300 people, while also training nearly 1,000 individuals in first aid. Infos-Dijon

A Family Legacy of Service

Rebsamen noted that public service is a long-standing tradition in Pétot De Min’s family, stemming from his father’s service as a gendarme and his mother’s lineage from an elite Italian infantry soldier. Infos-Dijon, Bien Public

The ceremony was attended by approximately thirty people, including family members, Civil Protection employees and volunteers, and representatives from partner organizations. Infos-Dijon