Hundreds of people gathered at the Alberta Legislature, Sunday afternoon to honour Alberta’s fallen police and peace officers. Those who have paid the ultimate price for the citizens of Alberta were remembered during a ceremony for Alberta Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day.
“Every day these police officers help keep us safe and we need to remember those who paid the ultimate price for us,” said Solicitor General, Jonathan Denis.
Officers representing every police force in Alberta gathered as the names of 97 fallen officers were read aloud during the ceremony.
“It’s always hard, even if you’re going to add one name or ten names, it’s always difficult to think during this service that there goes another one in the service of queen and country,” explained Lieutenant Governor, Donald Ethell.
This year one new name was included in that list, retired RCMP Officer Rod Lazenby. The 62 year old was working as a peace officer when he was killed while responding to call in the Municipal District of Foothills, this summer.
“He was loving, and he was always that voice on the end of the telephone that said ‘things will be alright mom’,” Lazenby’s mother Dorothy Lazenby said emotionally adding, “He sort of tied our family together.”
“He will be missed everyday. It has been very difficult, he was a big part of our lives,” Lazenby’s daughter Meghan McLean said adding, “He was an awesome father, brother, son. He loved sports. He loved to play hockey, baseball, he loved to come watch his grandchildren.”
A dove in Rod Lezenby’s name was added to the Pillar of Strength. The monument commemorates all of the law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Alberta. It’s a permanent reminder of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It’s nice that we will be able to come here and see the monument, see dad’s name on the monument. It’s especially fitting because he was an Edmonton boy. He was born and raised in Edmonton so, it’s nice that it’s here so my dad’s family can come and see it,” McLean said adding, “I’m very proud. I’m very proud to be a daughter of a police officer.”
“They’re in danger every day, aren’t they, when they go out to work. We don’t sometimes think of that,” Dorothy said adding, “I admire what he has done.”
With files from Jenna Bridges.