Regina Pepsi Park BBQ Marks 18 Years Since Tamra Keepness’s Disappearance | Globalnews.ca

Members of the Regina Police Service (RPS) took turns flipping burgers for the annual Tamra Keepness BBQ. People of all ages attended the event held at Regina’s Pepsi Park organized by RPS and Regina/Treaty Status Indian Services (RT/SIS).

The barbecue is important for police to engage with community organizations to raise awareness of Tamra’s disappearance. The RPS deputy chief recalls the day Tamra disappeared when he was working as a sergeant in the RPS property crimes unit at the time.

“Pretty much the entire organization took it upon themselves to do some work regarding the investigation,” said Dean Rae, deputy chief of RPS.

“We were very busy for the first few months tracking down many types of leads (and) investigative information that were passed on to us.”

The event is held every year on July 5 to commemorate the day Tamra disappeared from her home in the 1800 block of Ottawa Street. This year marks the 18th anniversary of his disappearance.

Despite the fact that many years have passed, the police are still cautiously investigating the clues.

“Each year, we end with a series of tips,” Rae said. “I know that we had a notice that took us to (the United States) and we followed up on it. We’re always hoping to get that information that will give us some lead where we can track down and hopefully locate Tamra.”

The annual barbecue is an opportunity where RPS and RT/SIS hope that one day someone will show up to share information about Tamra.

“Today is a great day to remember not only the issue of the people of the MMIWG2S, but also the issue of community coming together, the importance of education (and safety),” said Erica Beaudin, executive director of RT/ SIS.

“What (the family) has told me over the years is that having this barbecue (has reassured them) that they are not alone in this and that there are other people missing (Tamra) and wondering where she is.”

The RPS is offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to Keepness’s whereabouts. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is asked to contact RPS at (306) 777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

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