RCMP Depot Division holds annual memorial service in Regina
The second Sunday in September has been a solemn day at the RCMP's Depot Division in Regina since 1935.
"This demonstrates the strength of the organization. We're one big family supporting the families of the fallen and whatnot. So, it's a special it's a sad day, but also a special day for me," RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme explained.
The National RCMP Memorial Service honours members who have died in the line of duty. This includes regular members, special constables, auxiliary constables, and civilian members.
While the tradition of holding this event on the same week every year at Depot has been ongoing for almost 90 years, the ceremony dates back even farther.
"Today is a special day. This ceremony started in 1876. It's a way to recognize our fallen colleagues who have given so much to the communities they serve and whatnot," Commissioner Duheme said.
Throughout the ceremony, the names of all 251 members who have fallen in the line of duty are read aloud.
"It takes a special kind of individual to be a police officer nowadays,” Duheme added. “Look at our rich history, 151 years. Unfortunately, we're adding two other names to the cenotaph this year. It brings it up to 251. But, you know, it's special to recognize the group of people that want to serve Canadians across the country.”
This year, the names of Constable Fredrick "Rick" O'Brien and Constable Brent Harold Veefkind were added to the honour roll.
Among those in attendance, were the loved ones of those whose names have already been immortalized on the roll.
"The first thing that comes to mind is the professionalism of our organization. The empathy we have for what the families have gone through, I'd be remiss if I didn't highlight. We have a program that's called the Family Liaison Officer program," Duheme explained.
The commissioner went on to explain that the program assigns a member to the family of another member if they should be injured or killed in the line of duty.
"If they ever have need, they can call the member, which is really, really nice. It's a touchpoint for the organization. Last night, I was fortunate enough that I met the families and, I reminded them that, you have your family, but this is the extended family," commissioner Duheme said.
Chief Superintendent Mike Lokken is the commanding officer at the RCMP Depot in Regina, and he spoke to the importance of the day.
"Today is a chance to pause and recognize those in the organization that have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Lokken said.
“When something like this happens, we feel it all through law enforcement, regardless of the color of the strap on your pants. But at the same time, when it's one of our own, you feel it that much more."
Lokken also spoke to the way that the RCMP cares for the families of fallen officers, regardless of how long it has been since their passing.
"It is a sad, solemn day. But at the same time, the support that we have within the organization, to the families, our family concept doesn't just, include our employees, it includes their families as well,” he added.
“And we are one big family."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre supports Israel 'proactively striking' Iranian nuclear sites to defend itself
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is supporting Israel's right to defend itself against Iran following last week's ballistic missile attack, saying that right includes 'proactively striking Iranian nuclear sites and oil installations to defund the terrorist regime.'
DEVELOPING Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm. Florida orders evacuations
Florida's storm-battered Gulf Coast raced against a Category 5 hurricane Monday as workers sprinted to pick up heaps of appliances and other street debris left over from Helene two weeks ago and highways were clogged with people fleeing ahead of the storm.
'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Lululemon founder Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.
'Feel free to get naked,' witness testifies Toronto councillor told her during 'networking' weekend
Toronto Coun. Michael Thompson 'forced himself on' a woman who awoke to find him standing over her after she fell asleep drunk, the Crown alleged Monday, as the five-day sexual assault trial of the six-term politician began in Bracebridge, Ont.
As Hurricane Milton intensifies, is Disney World still open?
Despite Hurricane Milton evolving into a Category 5 storm, Walt Disney World Resort remains open to the public and will operate as normal. However, the park announced Monday a few closures in an abundance of caution.
Disgraced former Winnipeg football coach sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual assault
A disgraced Winnipeg high school football coach convicted of sexual assault and luring will spend 20 years behind bars.
Two people injured in apparent road rage incident, shooting in Toronto
Two people are in hospital after they were chased and shot at in what appears to be an act of road rage before eventually flipping their car while trying to escape, police say.
Sammy Basso, longest living survivor of rare rapid-aging disease progeria, dies at 28
Sammy Basso, who was the longest living survivor of the rare genetic disease progeria, has died at the age of 28, the Italian Progeria Association said on Sunday.
Prayers, protests and police as Canada marks anniversary of Oct. 7 Hamas attack
With prayers, protests, and a heavy police presence, Canada has marked the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and triggered an ongoing war.