canoilers
03-03-2006, 9:08am
One year ago today that four Mounties were shot in Mayerthorpe, Alberta.
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Alberta/2006/03/03/1470899-sun.html
Mounties remebered.
Four Officers shot one year ago.
By MICHELLE MARK, EDMONTON SUN
MAYERTHORPE -- On the eve of the first anniversary of the Mayerthorpe Massacre, hundreds streamed into the local arena to honour the memory of the Fallen Four.
More than 600 people of all ages packed the hockey rink last night for the second annual RCMP vs. Mayerthorpe Wranglers hockey game.
"It's great to support the cause so we can get everything collected for the park," said cattle rancher Thomas Thompson.
The event raised funds for the creation of a $1.5-million memorial park to honour the four Mounties gunned down last year.
RCMP Consts. Peter Schiemann, Brock Myrol, Anthony Gordon and Leo Johnston were shot dead March 3, 2005, by James Roszko, who ambushed them on his rural property near Mayerthorpe.
Before the game between commercial league locals and Mounties from across Alberta and as far away as Montreal, a special tribute was paid to the fallen officers.
The arena fell silent as Mayerthorpe Mayor Albert Schalm, Fire Chief Randy Schroeder, Whitecourt Mayor Trever Thain, memorial society president Margaret Thibeault and Darcy Vynke of Associated Ambulance solemnly lit five candles.
Four represented the officers, while the fifth was lit in honour of all officers who've died on duty.
Stan Nagle of Red Deer said he and his son Chad heard about the event and wanted to lend their support.
"Stuff like what happened to the Mounties doesn't just hurt a few. It hurts everyone. We thought it would be nice to do a little something like come up here and let these people know they're not alone," said Nagle.
Prior to the game, four easels, each holding a large framed portrait of one of the officers in red serge, stood at centre ice.
Representatives from each of the four mourning families opened the game with a ceremonial puck drop.
As part of yesterday's commemoration, a silent auction was also held for the Fallen Four memorial society.
At the auction, Kelly Johnston, Const. Leo Johnston's widow, said her husband left her an incredible gift.
"I'm facing this knowing that I had something very, very few people had - an incredible love by an incredible man. Very few people realize that kind of love and that's something no one can take away from me."
Mayor Schalm said the tragedy has pulled the community closer together.
"Physically we haven't grown, but emotionally we've grown. The community is definitely tighter," he said.
Mayor Thain said some residents in his community, 45 km northwest of Mayerthorpe, were locking their doors for the first time in their lives.
"People aren't as laid back as far as their security goes. (The shootings) heightened their awareness."
Yesterday, Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko, a former police officer, broke down in the legislature as he read a statement honouring the memory of the four Mounties.
"A full year has nearly passed, but the pain and grief felt by the families and friends of the slain officers and by all Albertans still remains," he said, before taking a few moments to collect himself.
Premier Ralph Klein acknowledged the "courage of police, not only of these officers that were slain, but the day-to-day courage of police in defence of security and freedom."
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Alberta/2006/03/03/1470899-sun.html
Mounties remebered.
Four Officers shot one year ago.
By MICHELLE MARK, EDMONTON SUN
MAYERTHORPE -- On the eve of the first anniversary of the Mayerthorpe Massacre, hundreds streamed into the local arena to honour the memory of the Fallen Four.
More than 600 people of all ages packed the hockey rink last night for the second annual RCMP vs. Mayerthorpe Wranglers hockey game.
"It's great to support the cause so we can get everything collected for the park," said cattle rancher Thomas Thompson.
The event raised funds for the creation of a $1.5-million memorial park to honour the four Mounties gunned down last year.
RCMP Consts. Peter Schiemann, Brock Myrol, Anthony Gordon and Leo Johnston were shot dead March 3, 2005, by James Roszko, who ambushed them on his rural property near Mayerthorpe.
Before the game between commercial league locals and Mounties from across Alberta and as far away as Montreal, a special tribute was paid to the fallen officers.
The arena fell silent as Mayerthorpe Mayor Albert Schalm, Fire Chief Randy Schroeder, Whitecourt Mayor Trever Thain, memorial society president Margaret Thibeault and Darcy Vynke of Associated Ambulance solemnly lit five candles.
Four represented the officers, while the fifth was lit in honour of all officers who've died on duty.
Stan Nagle of Red Deer said he and his son Chad heard about the event and wanted to lend their support.
"Stuff like what happened to the Mounties doesn't just hurt a few. It hurts everyone. We thought it would be nice to do a little something like come up here and let these people know they're not alone," said Nagle.
Prior to the game, four easels, each holding a large framed portrait of one of the officers in red serge, stood at centre ice.
Representatives from each of the four mourning families opened the game with a ceremonial puck drop.
As part of yesterday's commemoration, a silent auction was also held for the Fallen Four memorial society.
At the auction, Kelly Johnston, Const. Leo Johnston's widow, said her husband left her an incredible gift.
"I'm facing this knowing that I had something very, very few people had - an incredible love by an incredible man. Very few people realize that kind of love and that's something no one can take away from me."
Mayor Schalm said the tragedy has pulled the community closer together.
"Physically we haven't grown, but emotionally we've grown. The community is definitely tighter," he said.
Mayor Thain said some residents in his community, 45 km northwest of Mayerthorpe, were locking their doors for the first time in their lives.
"People aren't as laid back as far as their security goes. (The shootings) heightened their awareness."
Yesterday, Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko, a former police officer, broke down in the legislature as he read a statement honouring the memory of the four Mounties.
"A full year has nearly passed, but the pain and grief felt by the families and friends of the slain officers and by all Albertans still remains," he said, before taking a few moments to collect himself.
Premier Ralph Klein acknowledged the "courage of police, not only of these officers that were slain, but the day-to-day courage of police in defence of security and freedom."