Ceremony ‘stark reminder’ of cost to keep communities safe, police say

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Heroes in life, not death, was the message.

Four police officers had their names added to the Ontario Police Memorial at Queen’s Park on Sunday.

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Thousands of officers attended the 25th annual Ceremony of Remembrance, organized by the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation.

The annual Ceremony of Remembrance pays tribute to Ontario’s fallen police officers who have died in the line of duty.

“Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation Ceremony of Remembrance,” said Jason Tomlinson, president of the memorial foundation. “Our annual gathering at Queen’s Park is a stark reminder of the cost of safer communities. Although it is a time of reverence and reflection, it is also a time of support and love.

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“It is my privilege to honour the 277 officers lost in the line of duty while sadly adding four more names to the Wall of Honour. This year, we are engraving the names of two historic officers and two active duty officers to the honour role.”

The names added to the Ontario Police Memorial include Sgt. Eric Mueller of the Russell County OPP detachment and Det.-Const. Steven Tourangeau of the Perth County OPP detachment.

Mueller died in May 2023 while responding to a call outside of Ottawa. The 42-year-old father of two was shot and killed responding to reports of gunfire.

Tourangeau also died in May 2023 after being involved in a collision with a school bus.

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Other additions included Const. Chief Edward Lavery of the Prescott police, who died in 1928, and Det.-Sgt. Thomas A Whitelaw of Metro Toronto (1938).

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“Today we pay tribute to the heroic police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We owe a debt to these officers that can never be repaid. My deepest personal condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen. We will never forget their service and sacrifice.

“Our government will always stand with the brave and selfless men and women who put their lives at risk every day for the safety and protection of the people of Ontario. I extend my gratitude to the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation for ensuring that no fallen officer in Ontario is forgotten.”

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