Saskatchewan unveils memorial for fallen protective services personnel

The Saskatchewan Protective Services Memorial, a permanent tribute to personnel who died in the line of duty, was unveiled September 26 on Memorial Way, southwest of the Legislature Building in Regina, according to a provincial government release.

The memorial honours personnel across fire, police, paramedic, corrections, emergency communications, conservation and other protective services, according to the release. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency developed the memorial at a cost of approximately $900,000, including $100,000 contributed by WorkSafe Saskatchewan.

Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said the memorial recognizes the courage and commitment of those who died protecting the people of Saskatchewan and is a permanent reminder of their service. Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said the tribute is centred on the people it honours. That, Pritchard said, extends to their families, the colleagues who served alongside them and the communities made safer by their work.

Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board CEO Phillip Germain called the memorial a permanent tribute and said it challenges people to do everything in their power to prevent more names being added.

The memorial includes a commemorative message, a “helping hands” structure and an image of the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal. The design was chosen through a process led by representatives of first responder and public service organizations, the release says. The memorial carries 66 names, with space for more in future years. The service and sacrifice of those named spans more than a century, the release says.