Ceremony honoring fallen Alberta police and peace officers Achi-News

A somber ceremony was held on the Alberta legislative grounds on Sunday to remember the province’s police and peace officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The annual Police and Peace Officer Memorial Day honored the 106 police and peace officers who have died in the line of duty in Alberta since 1876. The ceremony is held on the last Sunday of September each year.

“For nearly a century and a half, Alberta police and peace officers have unfailingly answered the call to serve and protect their neighbors and communities,” said Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis.

“It is with great gratitude that we honor these heroes and the courage and professionalism they displayed in the line of duty.”

The ceremony began with hundreds of members of law enforcement from agencies across the state marching to the south lawn of the legislature grounds, to the sounds of regimental pipes and drums.

The day is also meant to honor the family and friends who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

“It’s humbling to be here,” said Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee. “Every year, it’s an opportunity for us to pay our respects to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Also, to pay it to the families who are here too.”

McFee was pleased with the turnout for Sunday’s ceremony, despite cooler and, at times, wet weather. He said it was the community that got the Edmonton Police Service through the deaths of constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan in early 2023.

“The community got us through and they continue to be a pillar of strength and support for us,” said McFee.

“It’s part of what we love to do. When you see the community out here it pushes you through.”

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Several dignitaries spoke before the names of each of the 106 Alberta officers who died were read aloud. No new names were added to the Column of Strength this year. The permanent monument bears the names of all of Alberta’s dead officers.

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi was present and said it was a sombre but important day.

“This is our way of showing our appreciation for the peace officers and police officers, as well as their families, and recognizing their sacrifices and how every day they step up to make our communities greater places safe for everyone,” said Sohi. “As a community, we need to appreciate that.”

Debbie and Herman Tames have a daughter, son and son-in-law who are police officers. They attended Sunday’s ceremony to support their family members, and members of law enforcement as a whole.

“This is an honor for all those who have lost their lives for us,” said Herman. “Everyone who does this works for us as citizens.”

“These people put their lives on the line every day for you,” added Debbie. “So that’s why we’re here. We are here to support our family and the police in general.”

Also on Sunday, a Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony was held in Ottawa.

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