Winnipeg Memorial Service Honors Fallen Police & Law Enforcement – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

Officials, police officers, their families and others attended the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Sunday morning to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The last Sunday in September has been recognized as National Police and Peace Officers Day since 1998.

This year’s annual service in Winnipeg was organized by the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP).

“I think in a way (it’s) a really appropriate place for us to meet. This museum is a place of reflection and that is really what the memorial is about, it is reflecting on the stories of those before us who gave the ultimate sacrifice, ”said Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth, who is also president of the MACP. .

Smyth opened his prepared remarks by acknowledging the challenges the pandemic has imposed on police, community stress leading to mental health issues and addictions, as well as members confronting and reflecting on “the ugly truth of residential schools , colonization and the role played by the justice system have contributed to subverting indigenous peoples ”.

“These are challenging times that are affecting the health and well-being of our members who have vowed to serve our communities,” said Smyth.

“As we reflect on these challenges, it is imperative that we recognize and reflect on the police and peacekeepers who faced the challenges of their time, and we honor those who came before us and gave their lives to maintain peace and order in our communities. . “

Speakers made special mention of RCMP Saskatchewan Agent Shelby Patton and RCMP Nova Scotia Agent Heidi Stevenson, who died in the line of duty in 2021 and 2020, respectively.

“There are not many professions in our community that truly pose a level of risk to life and personal safety comparable to that of Manitoba police and law enforcement,” Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman said during the service.

“As citizens, we are incredibly fortunate to have people in our community who are willing to bear that level of risk for the benefit of our community.”

Mayor Bowman also paid tribute to Police Officer Allan Poapst, a Manitoba RCMP officer who died in a road accident in December 2019.

Bowman shared that he had actually met Poapst through a mutual friend while attending the Gray Cup game, just weeks before the officer’s death.

“There was nothing but smiles in the whole crowd … just the joy of that night is something that I know we will all remember,” Bowman said.

“It is a good reminder that the police and law enforcement officers are members of our community, they are our neighbors, our friends and our family.”

Sunday’s event coincided with a national service held in Ottawa and streamed online.