Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond made the following statement in recognition of Police and Peace Officers Memorial Day:

"Each year, the last Sunday of September is set aside across Canada so that we may take time to honour and remember those police and peace officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, in service to their communities and country.

"It is essential for British Columbians to recognize the risk police and peace officers take every day to protect our communities and families. These officers put themselves in harm's way to ensure our families do not suffer loss and tragedy.

"Their own families remember this risk each day they leave for work. When police or peace officers fall, the policing family in B.C. feels and mourns the loss of these brave officers, and remembers their family members who live daily with their loss. Their worst fears become reality, and as a province, we mourn along with them.

"Today, we grieve the tragic loss of these fine men and women in the line of duty. While remembering their legacy of honour, bravery and sacrifice, we pay respect to the bravery of their families, who must carry on in their absence.

"We must pledge to never forget these officers, their families and the sacrifice they made to keep our province safe."

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961