Watch above: Sunday afternoon, Albertans from all walks of life turned out at the legislative grounds to pay tribute to fallen officers. Shallima Maharaj reports.
EDMONTON — Albertans and law enforcement officers from across the province gathered in Edmonton Sunday afternoon to pay tribute to those who have died in the line of duty.
National Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day was marked across the country Sunday; each year it’s celebrated on the last Sunday of September.
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The ceremony in Edmonton began with the Massed Pipes and Drums of Alberta leading law enforcement officers to the south grounds of the Alberta Legislature.
Several dignitaries, including Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Ethell and Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Jonathan Denis, were on hand as family and friends came together to remember the men and woman who have died while serving the province.
“On behalf of all Albertans, I want to express our deepest gratitude to the officers who gave their lives to ensure we can live in safe communities. These officers made the ultimate sacrifice and we are forever indebted to them,” said Denis.
The names of each of the fallen officers were read aloud. Wreaths representing each member were then laid at the base of the Pillar of Strength, a permanent monument erected in 2006 that commemorates all law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since 1876.
Among the names added to the Pillar of Strength this year was Canadian Pacific Railway Police Const. Robert George MacIntosh. He was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1912 while attempting to stop a theft in Calgary.
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