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Remembering our heroes at 35th annual Police and Peace Officer Memorial service

"No job is more important, and few are as difficult or as dangerous," said Public Safety Minister Vic Toews.

Ottawa (02 Oct. 2012) - Thousands of police and peace officers, from across Canada, came out in the rain to honour police and peace officers who have died in the line of duty. They gathered on Parliament Hill to remember these heroes.

This year current and historical names added to the glass monuments of the Canadian Police Memorial Pavilion, located behind Parliament Hill, are:

  • Constable Vincent Roy, December 1, 2011 (Bromont Police);
  • County Constable Harry Fordham, February 2, 1942 (Ontario Provincial Police);
  • Constable George Armstrong, July 18, 1919, (Nipigon Police); and
  • Constable George H. Bossange, June 21,1919, (Royal Northwest Mounted Police).

"No job is more important, and few are as difficult or as dangerous," said Public Safety Minister Vic Toews.

"We recognize that they put their lives on the line every day so that the rest of us can live in peace and security," he said. "Police and peace officers are heroes whose loss is felt by all."

The day’s ceremony began at 9 a.m. as officers read aloud the names of each of the police and peace officers who have died on-duty over the years. Six to eight officers a year have died in Canada over the last 23 years.

The ceremony culminated in a march to Parliament Hill where they were greeted by dignitaries and the general public.

In 1998, the federal government proclaimed the last Sunday in September as Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day.

The Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service gives Canadians an opportunity each year to formally express appreciation for the dedication of police and peace officers, who have contributed so much to our country. 

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE