Saskatchewan recognizes Police & Peace Officers' National Memorial Day
In front of the Saskatchewan Legislative building, law enforcement officers and civilians gathered to pay tribute to peace officers who died in the line of duty.
"Everybody when they sign up for this job knows that there's [an] inherent risk associated it. But today is a real reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that so many of our colleagues have faced,” Deputy Chief Lorilee Davies of the Regina Police Service (RPS) said.
“For us, it's just important to honour their memories, to honour their sacrifice, really to acknowledge their families who continue to mourn their loss, day in and day out."
Also in attendance were many loved ones of those who had their name on the honour roll. Including Mel and Ash Patton, the parents of Cst. Shelby Patton of the RCMP, who is the last name on the list of fallen Saskatchewan members.
"It's respect for the fallen, but it's also respect for all of the officers that came in March. Today, we're just here in support of everyone," Mel told CTV News.
"It doesn't matter how many years gone by, the feeling is always there. It's never going to go away. I mean, you learn to deal with it, in our own ways," Ash added.
The tradition began on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in 1978 after the murder of rookie constable, David Kirkwood. The date was recognized nationally in 1998 by the federal government.
Both Mel and Ash expressed comfort in knowing that their son died protecting others.
"He was the best. Of course I'm biased, but, yes we miss him every day,” Mel said. “I'm really hoping that more people try and join up to become members, because of course, the more members we have, there's more safety in numbers."
The pair went on to say that the most difficult part of the ceremony was hearing their son's name read aloud.
Deputy Chief Davies also shared that it is a difficult day for active peace officers.
"They're never forgotten, their sacrifice will not be in vain,” she said. “It really is to honour their memories, to honour their families and it really is our commitment to ensure that their sacrifice will not be forgotten."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is open and closed this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
This Monday, Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), a federal statutory holiday and day of remembrance for the Indigenous children who never came home from Canadian residential schools, as well as those who survived them.
Rustad wants B.C. Indigenous rights law repealed. Chief sees that as 40-year setback
British Columbia saw a rare unanimous vote in its legislature in October 2019, when members passed a law adopting the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, setting out standards including free, prior and informed consent for actions affecting them.
Ontario pedestrian dies after being struck by OPP vehicle
A pedestrian has died after reportedly getting struck by an OPP cruiser in Bala early Sunday morning.
Kris Kristofferson, singer-songwriter and actor, dies at 88
Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and A-list Hollywood actor, has died.
Trump says there's 'something wrong' with Harris and that she's 'mentally impaired'
Republicans on Sunday sought to distance themselves from Donald Trump's latest insults of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris during a rambling weekend rally in Wisconsin in which he called her 'mentally disabled.'
Death toll reaches 91 as Hurricane Helene rips across U.S. southeast
The U.S. southeast grappled with rising death tolls, a lack of vital supplies and widespread loss of homes and properties with the devastating toll of Hurricane Helene.
After losing her first love to suicide, this Windsor woman wants people to know there is life after death
Two and a half years after losing her best friend and first love to suicide, Brooke Ford shared her story of grief and resilience at the CMHA Windsor-Essex Suicide Awareness Walk.
‘It's very unfair’: International students face uncertain future in Canada after rule change
Migrant groups are pushing the federal government to reverse its cap on international study permits and tightening post-graduate work permit qualifications, claiming it will leave many students 'in limbo.'
opinion How to make the most out of your TFSA
The Tax-Free Savings Account can be a powerful savings tool and investment vehicle. Financial contributor Christopher Liew explains how they work and how to take full advantage of them so you can reach your financial goals faster.