Since 1988, the Government of Canada has proclaimed the last Sunday of September of every year as Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day.

This National Memorial Day gives Canadians an opportunity each year to express appreciation for the dedication of police and peace officers, who made the ultimate tragic sacrifice to keep our communities safe.

The first Memorial was held in 1978 and honoured 14 officers. Today, the names of over 874 fallen officers are engraved on the Honour Roll, including 65 from Saskatchewan.

Retired S/Sgt. Grant Obst said the importance of the day is simple/

“When police and peace officers get up and go to work, they expect to come home. The reality is that on the occasion, that doesn’t happen,” he stated. “It’s important that those of us that are left behind take the time to remember, to pay tribute, and to turn our thoughts and prayers to those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

A total of 65 names were read out, marking all of the officers who died while serving in the Land of the Living Skies, ranging from the first officer in 1877 to the last officer in 2021.

While Saskatchewan hasn’t lost an officer in two years, 12 officers have lost their lives on duty across the country, the most recent being RCMP Const. Rick O’Brien was shot and killed while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam just days ago.

“Twelve police and peace officers didn’t come home this year. That’s what this is about. That’s why we have to take time out of our lives to remember and to pay tribute.”