Justice
April 3, 2007

Minister Accepts Painting in Memory of Fallen Officers

The Honourable Minister of Justice Tom Osborne graciously accepted a framed painting today Maintaining The Right by artist Arnold Friberg in memory of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police members who were killed in the line of duty.

The shootings took place on March 3, 2005, on a farm near Mayerthorpe, northwest of Edmonton, AB. Four officers were killed including Const. Brock Myrol, Const. Lionide (Leo) Johnston, Const. Peter Schieman and Const. Anthony Gordon.

"While it is painful to remember such a terrible day, it is important that we never forget the sacrifices made by those officers who died protecting the people of that area and the risks taken everyday by police forces all over the world," said Minister Osborne.

The officers were investigating reports of stolen auto parts as well as a marijuana growing operation. The ambush has been called one of the worst in Canadian history.

The painting was presented to Minister Osborne by RCMP Assistant Commissioner W.G. Lynch and Ken Ellis, President of the RCMP Veterans� Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. It will be displayed on the fourth floor of Confederation Building, East Block, in the Department of Justice.

"By displaying this beautiful piece of art here in the department we hope that everyone who sees it will take a moment to remember those who were lost, and to realize how important policing is to our communities as a whole," said the minister.

-30-

Photo #1: From left: RCMP Sgt. J.D. Walsh, RCMP Chief Superintendent Bill Smith, Minister of Justice Tom Osborne, Assistant RCMP Commissioner Gerry Lynch, President of the RCMP Veteran's Association Ken Ellis and Ralph Alcock, Assistant Deputy Minister, Department of Justice.

Media contact:
Deborah Pennell
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 685-6612
deborahpennell@gov.nl.ca

2007 04 03                                                      3:00 p.m.

 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement