Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 28/05) - A bell tolled three times Sunday at the Legislative Assembly to honour the workers who died in the line of duty in the last year.

The names of Yellowknife parole officer Louise Pargeter and firefighters Cyril Fyfe and Kevin Olson were read out during the service.

RCMP, firefighters, military, emergency service workers and other peace officers filled the Great Hall during the first annual memorial service in Yellowknife.

The service will coincide with the Police and Peace Officers National Memorial Day held on the last Sunday of September each year.

RCMP Supt. Pat McCloskey told those gathered for the occasion that the ultimate sacrifice was given by those who have perished in the line of duty.

"But these risks we face, we do not face alone," McCloskey said of family and friends who live daily with the uncertainty the role of emergency workers brings.

"Let us go forward never forgetting those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,"he said.

Commissioner Tony Whitford said the event was historical and meaningful to all Northerners. "The officers depend on each other for mutual support," Whitford said.

"You never know which incident is going to be more dangerous than the next," he said.

Lt.-Col. Drew Artus, chief of staff for Canadian Forces Northern Area said after the ceremony that the officers involved in the ceremony put their lives on the line each and every day for others so others can feel safe and protected.

"It's important that, if something happens to them, you pay respect and you honour them for what they believe in," Artus said.

"We in the military are part of this Northern team. That's why we're here," he said.

Lloyd Lush, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164, said it was an honour to participate in the ceremony which encompasses those who risk their lives for others.

"It's important to remember all those firefighters, RCMP and all of our peace keepers," Lush said.

Death of colleagues

Lieut. Mike Lowing of the Yellowknife fire department said the service was very significant for the department because of the death of two of its colleagues. "This is a very special year for us and this event helps us to come to terms and understand what has happened and to acknowledge and remember the two individuals in a very formal but special way," Lowing said.

Bronwyn Watters, assistant deputy minister of justice, said it is self-evident that those in such a line of duty give so much of themselves.

"The people remembered today have given ultimately, but all these men and women every day are prepared to take whatever risks are necessary," Watters said.

"They are worthy of respect," she added.

After the ceremony, a wreath was laid by Whitford and McCloskey at the RCMP headquarters cenotaph.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Bob Gray said it was impressive to see so many first responders attend the service.

"It was nice to see the various agencies and people from the NWT come together for the service," Gray said.

He said as there is no wall of honour for responders in the NWT, the RCMP allowed the wreath to be placed on their site.

"Perhaps this may persuade somebody to consider doing something like this for the responders in the NWT.

"They are part of the team we work for and to show respect, we have the wreath presented in front of our wall," Gray said.