Hundreds gather in Edmonton to remember fallen police and peace officers
CBC
Hundreds of people gathered to remember fallen officers and their families on Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Day Sunday.
A parade of officers, bagpipers and a choir were part of the day's events at the Alberta Legislature.
Chris Young, president of the Alberta Federation of Police Associations, said the reading of the names of fallen officers was the most emotional moment of the day.
Young has a personal connection to a fallen officer: he knew Calgary Police Service Sgt. Andrew Harnett, who was killed on duty in December 2020.
"It's not just a member, it's a person," Young said.
"[Fallen officers] are people and their lives should be cherished and remembered."
He said being a police officer is "a profession that the whole family sacrifices for."
Lesley Lukawy understands that better than most people.
Her sister, Christine Diotte, was a constable in the RCMP investigating a collision on the Trans-Canada Highway near Banff when she was struck by a vehicle and killed in March 2002.
Lukawy said she thinks of all the things her sister has missed in life — like being an aunt to Lukawy's children.
"You're never the same," she said.
Now that their parents have died, Lukawy says coming to the event for fallen officers feels like being around family.
This year, in particular, was a privilege, she said.
"Today was actually very special because I was asked … to put the wreath for all the fallen family officers, which I thought was very nice."