Regina, Sask. – Sept. 14, 2008 – Today, the RCMP held its National Memorial Service at the RCMP Academy, "Depot" Division. The ceremony honoured members, special constables and auxiliary constables who lost their lives in response to an operational policing duty in which there was the element of life-threatening risk.
Two names have been inscribed on the Cenotaph, the Honour Roll and the Memorial Wall Plaques this year, bringing the total number of fallen members to 220 since the creation of the North-West Mounted Police in 1873. The two new names are:
Honour Roll # 219
Cst. Christopher John Worden
Regimental number 49314
Served February 18, 2002 to October 6, 2007
Died from a gunshot wound sustained while responding to a call for assistance involving a suicidal male on October 6, 2007 at Hay River, Northwest Territories.
Honour Roll # 220
Cst. Douglas Allen Scott
Regimental number 54592
Served April 23, 2007 to November 5, 2007
Died from a gunshot wound sustained while responding to a call for assistance involving an impaired driver on November 5, 2007 at Kimmirut, Nunavut.
The Service was attended by a number of dignitaries including His Honour the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan; the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister responsible of the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation for the Government of Saskatchewan; Commissioner William J.S. Elliott; and family members and friends of fallen members.
Margaret Sheridan, sister of Constable Brian Thomas King, has been attending the Memorial Service faithfully since her brother was killed in Saskatoon in the line of duty 20 years ago.
"I return each year to pay respect to a young man's dream and to be there for the new families, reassuring them that life does go on," stated Mrs. Sheridan. "I also come to be inspired by the strong and true spirit of young Canadians that is so tangible at 'Depot'. It gives me hope."
Nearly 600 members, veterans and cadets took part in the Memorial Parade. They came from the Northwest Territories ("G" Division), Nunavut ("V" Division), British-Columbia ("E" Division), Alberta ("K" Division ), Saskatchewan ("F" Division), Manitoba, ("D" Division) and the North West Region.
At a private ceremony held the evening before, Commissioner Elliott presented RCMP Memorial Mementos to the relatives of the fallen members. The front of the Memento-a lacquered sterling silver medallion-is engraved with the crest of the RCMP on a police badge with the fallen member's regimental number, all surrounded by maple leaves. The reverse side is engraved with rank, name and service dates. .
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For further information:
Sgt. Alain LeBlanc
NCO IC Communications and Events Management Services
RCMP "Depot" Division
Tel.: 306-780-6371
Cell: 306-502-0193
