Four RCMP members in front of the official tipi at the Spiritwood memorial event. (Submitted Photo/RCMP)

By Susan McNeil

Spiritwood memorial

Spiritwood gathers to remember fallen officers

Jul 14, 2023 | 12:03 PM

It has been 17 years since Constables Marc Bourdages and Robin Cameron were killed by Curtis Dagenais in a rural location near Spiritwood and the town continues to remember them.

This year was the 150^th anniversary of the creation of the RCMP and combined with July 7 as a more terrible reminder of the dangers officers face, the community held a larger event.

“In the hours and days that followed, what happened was that this community supported us, they came together and supported us in our time of loss, supported the families who had a more profound loss than any of us can even imagine. We thank you for that,” said Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Rhonda Blackmore.

Several hundred people turned out for the day, co-hosted by the Spiritwood Detachment, Pelican Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation.

The officers had chased Dagenais for 17 kilometres after trying to arrest him for a family dispute.

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He fired through the windshield killing both Cameron and Bourdages and wounding Cst. Michelle Knopp.

“We lost two tremendous members that day, who died, giving the ultimate sacrifice protecting this community,” said Blackmore.

This year, the day included a free BBQ, a pow-wow dance demonstration by dancers from Pelican Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation, bouncy castles and face painting and cake.

“This event allowed the community to join together and collectively honour Cst. Bourdages’ and Cst. Cameron’s memory,” said Sgt. Sebastian Andrews, commander of the Spiritwood RCMP. “We thank everyone who joined us, and who worked hard to make it possible.”

Officers and dancers at the memorial. (submitted/RCMP)

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com