Province proclaims Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day

Premier Roger Grimes and Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons today proclaimed the last Sunday in September in each year will be recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador as Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day.

"This is a special day for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to give thanks and remembrance to the many officers who died in the line of duty while preserving the safety and security of this province," said Premier Grimes.

A ceremony of remembrance will be held on that day to remember and commemorate those men and women who died in the line of duty.

"It will also be a time to recognize families and friends who have suffered the loss of loved ones, as well as police and peace officers who have endured the loss of colleagues," said Minister Parsons.

The Ceremony of Remembrance will be coordinated by the newly formed Newfoundland and Labrador Police and Peace Officers� Memorial Association.

The association is a partnership among the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ports Canada Police, Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, Correctional Officers, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Sheriff�s Office, Customs and Revenue, Newfoundland Rangers, Military Police, Municipal Police, Department of Works, Services and Transportation.

A copy of the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day Proclamation follows.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications (709) 729-6985

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS police and peace officers in Newfoundland and Labrador are dedicated to the preservation of the safety and security of the residents of the province;

AND WHEREAS it is appropriate that there be in each year a day to mark and pay tribute to those police and peace officers who have died in the line of duty;

NOW KNOW YE that we do by this Our Proclamation declare that the last Sunday in September in each year shall be recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador as Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Photo # 1: Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons and Premier Roger Grimes sign the proclamation declaring the last Sunday in September in each year as Newfoundland and Labrador Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day. Standing from the left are Ralph Alcock (Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Prosecutions and Public Safety), Cst. Georgina Short (President of Newfoundland and Labrador Police and Peace Officer�s Memorial Association), Michael Parsons (Vice-president), Denis Murphy (Treasurer), Kimberley Stockwood (secretary).

2003 06 05                                      11:55 a.m.