Officers, loved ones gather to honour fallen members
Saskatchewan recognizes national memorial day with parade and service
Police officers and loved ones from across Saskatchewan gathered in Regina Sunday, standing at attention for the return of the provincial memorial service for fallen members after three years.
The event began with a formal parade of current and retired officers in a mix of uniforms, including the RCMP red serge and the deep navy blue of municipal police from cities like Saskatoon and Regina.
Marching down Albert Street Bridge, the parade of officers came to attention at the foot of the legislative building, where speeches and honour wreaths were laid.
“You see the officers coming down, and it's quite powerful,” said Sgt. Casey Ward, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers.
“Just being able to stand on parade in honour of those people in front of the beautiful legislative building, it is truly a great honour to be here.”
Since 2004, Saskatchewan has been recognizing the national memorial day for Canadian police and peace officers with a parade and service in Regina, which took place this year on the same day as the national event in Ottawa.
The service is a showing of appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of local police and peace officers, and a chance to honour those whose lives have been lost.
Ward said the decision to pause the event the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic was necessary to protect both members and the public, but it was a relief to once again gather together.
“The pandemic took a toll on everybody, and especially our first responders,” said Ward. “For us to be able to show up and gather together to support each other and support members that paid that ultimate sacrifice, it's great.”
Dignitaries from the provincial and federal governments, local police associations and the community were among the crowd, including Lt.-gov. Russ Mirasty, who offered words as both the Crown's representative and a former RCMP member.
“I will never forget these incidents and the deep loss we've felt,” said Mirasty.
“We are ever grateful for the service of your loved ones, and we will not forget them.”
Mari Grobler, partner of RCMP Const. Shelby Patton, who died on duty near Wolseley, Sask. in 2021, laid the final wreath on behalf of all family and loved ones of fallen officers.
Ward said it was a poignant moment to have Patton's name read as one of the 56 people included on Saskatchewan's honour roll.
“You always like to see 10, 20 years between those names,” said Ward. “But you never know what happens, and it's always an honour, honouring that member, but you just hope we don't have to honour another.”
The event also concluded the annual Ride to Remember, which began four years ago after participants attended the national ride in Ontario and brought the idea back to Saskatchewan.
Twenty riders set out from Saskatoon Thursday on a route through Humboldt, Watrous, Moose Jaw and then to Regina by Sunday morning.
Regina Police Service Sgt. Maria Rupcich was one of them and said the marathon trip is an important show of remembrance for those lost in duty and to mental health.
It's always an honour, honouring that member, but you just hope we don't have to honour another.
Rupcich said the group also rides in support of police members still here, to show recognition for their dedication
“The appreciation sometimes we forget that the public has for us is phenomenal,” she said.