This post was written by CPCA member Chaplain Brian Krushel who serves as the police chaplain for Camrose PS. Thank you for your submission and your service, Brian.
On Sunday, September 24, police and public safety personnel gathered at memorial events across Canada to honour the lives of fellow officers who have died in the line of duty. In Edmonton, Alberta the names of 104 officers were read during the roll call while one of the largest civilian galleries stood in silence along with hundreds of police and peace officers. This year’s observance was especially poignant because of the deaths of three local officers – EPS Constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan, and RCMP Constable Harvinder Dahmi, as well as the most recent Line of Duty Death – RCMP Cst. Rick O’Brien of the Coquitlam detachment on September 22.
Official greetings were offered by Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis, Edmonton Police Chief Dale McPhee, and Alberta Federation of Police Associations Vice President Graham Ernst.
Chief McPhee began his remarks with a statement of gratitude for the services and support rendered by police chaplains. Citing the very difficult and heart wrenching year in policing, Chief McPhee highlighted how essential the work of chaplaincy has been in aiding officers through their grief and loss.
CPCA member and Edmonton Police Services Head Chaplain Roy Langer, CPCA members Melodie and Dan Small, and four other EPS chaplains provided the ministry of presence throughout the memorial afternoon. CPCA member Aaron Moore, chaplain to Lethbridge Police Services marched with the Lethbridge contingent, and Chaplain Brian Krushel attended with Camrose Police Service. Also, in attendance to provide support was RCMP "K" Division Chaplain Coordinator/ RCMP National Chaplain George Madden.
L-R Cst. Pamela MacTavish, Chaplain Brian Krushel, Insp. John Corbett, Insp. Lee Foreman (ret.) of Camrose Police Service
RCMP "K" Division Chaplain Coordinator/RCMP National Chaplain George Madden (center)
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