Province marks Police and Peace Officers� Memorial Day

Government is encouraging all residents to pay tribute to police and peace officers from this province who have made the ultimate sacrifice as the province marks Newfoundland and Labrador Police and Peace Officers� Memorial Day on Sunday.

The last Sunday of September each year provides Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with an opportunity to reflect and formally honour fallen police and peace officers.

"It�s wonderful to have a memorial in this province that pays tribute to those police and peace officers who have died in the line of duty and a monument that recognizes families and friends who have suffered the loss of loved ones and colleagues," said Justice Minister Tom Marshall. "I commend the tremendous efforts of the Newfoundland and Labrador Police and Peace Officers� Memorial Association in ensuring the contributions of these courageous people are never forgotten."

This year, the Department of Natural Resources contributed $20,000 to the association to enable them to make the final payment on the monument. The association has spent much time and effort planning and establishing this memorial.

"Alleviating the financial burden of this wonderful organization was the right thing for government to do," said Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale. "The memorial pays a fitting tribute to those who dedicated their lives to protect others and paid the ultimate sacrifice. It�s also appropriate at this time to express our appreciation and gratitude for the dedicated efforts of our police and peace officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect our property, our natural resources and our communities."

The monument commemorating the 16 police and peace officers from across the province who have lost their lives in the line of duty was unveiled on September 9, 2004 at Confederation Hill. It now stands as permanent memorial to those fallen officers.

The 4^th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Police and Peace Officers� Memorial Ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, September 24 at the Police and Peace Officer�s Memorial on Confederation Hill.

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2006 09 22                           9:40 a.m.