REMEMBERING THE FALLEN
Law enforcement officers from across Alberta take part in a public ceremony at the legislature grounds to remember the 100 men and women who have died in the line of duty in Alberta. Sunday marked the 20th consecutive year Albertans have honoured fallen law enforcement officers with the Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.
Family members and well-wishers lined a parade route at the Alberta legislature on Sunday as a solemn procession gathered to remember those killed in the line of duty.
Provincial officials count 100 police officers, sheriffs and forest wardens who died on the job in Alberta since 1876.
Their names are inscribed on the Pillar of Strength monument, which takes centre stage every year at Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.
“I always think about the families of the police officers that have been lost. They’re part of our family. We want to show support for them,” said JoAnn Graw, who comes every year with her daughter and husband, who is with the Alberta Sheriffs Branch.
It’s a tough job, said her daughter, seven-year-old Emmerson Graw. Her dad wants to be there for everyone but can’t. “That’s why there are other teams.”
Families of the fallen officers were given roses. Others laid wreaths during the ceremony.
Melba Cyr, 86, comes every year to remember her father, forest ranger Jacob Howard Pegg. He died in 1949, likely of asphyxiation when he got stuck and took refuge in his truck. He was working alone and never came home, leaving her mother with seven kids on the farm.
She remembers the great swing he built for the kids. It sat six of them at once.
“He was just a plain good guy,” she said.
This is the 20th year families and officials gathered at the legislature to mark Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.
It coincides with the national ceremony held in Ottawa.