Two names added to RCMP Honour Roll at annual memorial

REGINA – Two hundred and thirty six. That’s how many servicemen have fallen in the line of duty since the founding of the North West Mounted Police. Every year the RCMP and family members gather to pay respect to these men and women.

“Coming together is a very powerful moment for us,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Joe Oliver.

Two names are finding their home on the Honour Roll of fallen officers this year. Cpl. George Hawkins, who died of a tick bite in 1968, and Cst. David Wynn.

He was killed in January while attempting to make an arrest at an Edmonton area casino. Wynn was originally from Nova Scotia, but requested he be buried at the RCMP Academy in Regina.

Wynn’s family was in attendance, as were family members of many other fallen officers who make the yearly trip to grieve and remember.

“You live those memories of the memorial service when your family member was recognized when they were killed in the line of duty, but it’s part of the healing,” said Oliver.

Oliver is no stranger to the personal side of the ceremony. He lost his son Adrian, who was also killed while on duty in 2012 in Surrey, B.C. Adrian was pursuing a stolen vehicle and collided with a trailer. Since then this ceremony has grown in importance for the Oliver family.

“It’s a time to grieve, but it’s also a time to celebrate because the names engraved on this wall… they were incredible people.”

A strong familial bond is felt by those in attendance. In the world of policing they are more than colleagues, they’re family.

“I believe that everybody here has the same role,” said Sgt. Pharanae Jacques of the RCMP Depot Division. “We all come together for support during that time of remembrance and reflection. Whether that’s someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, or just someone to stand alongside.”