THUNDER BAY - Every day police officers put their lives on the line in service to the community. Those who do not come home at the end of the day leave a lasting mark on families, the community, and their fellow officers.
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service and police services from across the region held a memorial parade and service Sunday afternoon to honour those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day has been held on the last Sunday of September since 1978, and Thunder Bay Police Association president, Greg Stephenson said it is an important day for all members of the service.
“It’s to pay respect to not only officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, but the officers who are here,” he said. “It’s to show that job we do is dangerous and that they appreciate what we do. It’s something that is very important for us - to show respect.”
“We come together and pray for the families and obviously that we don’t have any more names,” Stephenson continued. “It’s a very significant event in the year for us.”
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and Superior North EMS participated in the parade that began at the former Ontario Provincial Courthouse before moving down Arthur Street to St. Paul’s Anglican Church for a memorial service.
“It’s nice to see all our partners here with us that we work with on a day to day basis and recognize the sacrifice of some of the members across the nation have ultimately paid the price with their lives in the line of duty,” said acting Thunder Bay Police Service chief, Sylie Hauth.
Hauth added the day highlights the comradery and friendship amongst serving officers, while also remembering those who have been lost.
“It’s being together in solidarity and showing our support, not just here in Thunder Bay, but across the nation, in terms of the work that we do and the communities that we serve,” she said.
Since the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day began in 1978, the Thunder Bay Police Service has lost two officers in the line of duty. In January, 1978, Const. John Kusznier was fatally wounded when responding to a call and Const. Joseph Prevett was killed during a training exercise in Gravenhurst, Ont. in May 2014.
As the parade made its way down the streets of Thunder Bay, family, friends, and members of the public looked on from the sidewalks.
“It’s very heartfelt,” Hauth said of the public coming out to show its support. “It’s nice to see people take time out of their day to recognize the work that we do and being out there supporting us on this national day.”
