OFFICER’S MEMORIAL MOVING
Relocation at family’s request
Nearly 27 years after the tragedy, a memorial marking the site of Const. Rick Sonnenberg ’s death is being moved from its home alongside Deerfoot Trail.
After a request by Sonnenberg’s family, the tribute of concrete-encased granite on the sloping west side of Deerfoot Trail at Southland Drive will be moved to a Calgary Police Service facility.
A ceremony attended by dignitaries and patrol members was held Monday at the site to commemorate its move. Flying overhead was a police HAWC helicopter — a fitting tribute, since its existence was prompted by the officer’s death.
“We’re working with the family, who have stopped doing their annual vigil there, to ensure the memorial is properly taken care of,” said Sgt. Gord Eiriksson, who noted Monday’s ceremony was saluted by honking passersby.
“The great thing about the public in Calgary is we have a lot of support and they recognize and know what that marker is for.”
The memorial, whose wooden cross had succumbed to the elements, is being taken to an undisclosed CPS facility where it will be privately displayed. Before that, it will be restored after more than two decades of reminding Calgarians of Sonnenberg’s sacrifice.
“We’ll have a rededication service when it’s placed in its new home,” said Eiriksson.
On Oct. 8, 1993, Sonnenberg and his then-duty partner Lisa Jorgensen were alerted to a stolen vehicle fleeing police.
As Sonnenberg, 27, set up a spike belt on southbound Deerfoot Trail to bring the vehicle to a halt, he was struck and killed by the car. It was travelling down the freeway at 175 km/h. The 1987 Firebird crossed over three lanes of traffic trying to avoid the barrier when it hit him.
A teen behind its wheel — who had been out on bail — was convicted of hit and run, criminal negligence causing death and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The officer’s death prompted his sister Lisa to push for the funding of a police helicopter to prevent the need for dangerous vehicle pursuits and to enhance other police work.
Less than two years after Sonnenberg’s death, the HAWC1 helicopter took to the skies.
Sonnenberg had been with the CPS for less than four years and was about to be engaged to be married when he was killed.