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Memorial dedicated for fallen P.A. RCMP officers

Aug 15, 2018 | 2:37 PM

Four plaques are now on display at the Prince Albert RCMP detachment following a private ceremony and parade last week,

The memorials plaques were formally unveiled Friday, commemorating four local officers who have fallen in the line of service in or around the city over the past 128 years.

“Whenever a member dies, the plaques are provided to the detachments,” Cpl. David Chamberlain told paNOW. “These were donated some years back and they’ve been recently dedicated, so we could set up the memorial in front of the detachment.”

The plaques are mounted on metal stands surrounding the flagpole. Each metal plate gives the officer’s name and some details about the fallen officer.

Chamberlain said they chose Friday, Aug, 10 for the event because that was the 128th anniversary of the death of Sgt. Albert Montgomery, who died after he fell from his horse in Prince Albert in 1890.

Also remembered were Sgt. Robert Schrader and Cst. Douglas Anson, who were shot and killed while on duty investigating a domestic dispute near MacDowall Oct. 9, 1970, as well as Cst. Roy Karwaski, who died from injuries sustained in a police car accident May 24, 1980.

Chamberlain said they wanted the ceremony to be a solemn, private affair involving the officers’ families along with members of the P.A. and North District teams, Veteran’s Association, P.A. ANAVETs, and P.A. Police Service.

“Sgt. Robert Schrader, when he was killed, had five children and all of them still reside in Saskatchewan. All five and their extended family attended in remembrance of their father,” Chamberlain said.

The RCMP’s “F” Division Air Services conducted a ceremonial fly-by during the ceremony, while a piper from the P.A. Pipes and Drums band played “Amazing Grace.” 

 

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertNOW