Yellowknife (July 26/06) - The last week has been a solemn one for police officers and community members as they took a moment to honour two Saskatchewan Mounties who perished in the line of duty.

Memorials for Constables Marc Bourdages and Robin Cameron were held yesterday and Friday at the Northwest Territories Wall of Honour. The monument, located in front of the RCMP station on 49th Avenue, commemorates fallen mounties.

Acting commander of the RCMP "G" division, James Cunningham, thanked the 60 people who attended the ceremony for Cameron, Friday.

"Each day our officers face tremendous risks. Sometimes they're called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice," said Cunningham.

Cameron and Bourdages died July 16 after being shot during a pursuit outside rural Spiritwood, Sask. Curtis Dagenais has been charged with two counts of first degree murder in connection with the shooting. Dagenais turned himself into police last week following an 11-day manhunt.

The acting commander said none of his officers knew Cameron or Bourdages, but some had worked in Saskatchewan or trained at the same time as the officers.

Community members sent flowers and condolences to the station, said Cunningham.

Looking out at the many people who came to show their support for the RCMP, Cunningham said "It means an incredible amount to our members."

After a prayer by the RCMP chaplain, the Canadian flag outside the station was lowered to half mast.

RCMP Const. Roxanna Dreilich was the RCMP officer who laid the wreath before the monument.

She said members of the RCMP understand their job can be dangerous.

"The risks are what they are, and they are accepted," she said.

When asked if she was worried about RCMP members dying in the line of duty in Yellowknife, Dreilich said "It can happen anywhere."

Other emergency response workers were on hand to show support.

"These are the people that we work with everyday," said firefighter Kevin Whitehead.

"Where would we be if we didn't have these people?" he asked.

Seven officers from the Yellowknife detachment also travelled to Saskatchewan last week for the Cameron and Bourdages funerals.