Fallen police, peace officers honoured at Manitoba Legislature

Hundreds of Manitobans packed into the Legislative Building Sunday morning for a service honouring police and peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The event has been held since 1998 in some parts of Canada, but has only been happening in Manitoba since 2004. It is designed to give Canadians an opportunity to show their appreciation for officers who commit to keeping the community safe.

Minister Gord Mackintosh told the crowd law enforcement is more than a line of work, it is a higher calling that deserves respect from every Canadian.

Winnipeg police Chief Devon Clunis said the memorial acts as a reminder to the general public of the kinds of sacrifices made by officers everyday.

"What I would like people to take away is just the importance of what we do in terms of police and the law enforcement community, that we are an integral part of it and that it is only through working together that we can actually create a safe, civil society that ultimately we all desire," Clunis said.

"At any day, any officer, any peace officer could be called to pay that ultimate price, so I think it's important for us in policing, in the correctional institution, to remember that yes, it is an important role that we serve, but it's one that can definitely cost us."

Similar ceremonies for fallen peace and police officers were held across the country Sunday.