SPIRITWOOD – The lives of the two RCMP Constables shot and killed in the line of duty near Spiritwood were remembered Friday on the 17th anniversary of their deaths at a memorial park named in their honour.
“We lost two tremendous members that day, who died giving the ultimate sacrifice protecting the community,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner, F Division, Rhonda Blackmore at the event.
On July 7, 2006, Const. Robin Cameron, 29, Const. Marc Bourdages, 26, were part of police chase that ended on a grid road 12 km east of Spiritwood where a man shot at the officers. Cameron and Bourdage later died from their injuries in hospital.
“In the hours and days that followed, the community came together and supported us and the families who suffered an even greater loss,” said Blackmore.
Cameron was related to people in the area, says Pelican Lake First Nation Chief Peter Bill who remembers the tragedy.
“She was always in our community and that’s what struck home. It was heartbreaking and shocking to be honest,” said Chief Bill. “It was a senseless act that affected a lot of people.”
The incident led to an 11-day manhunt to find the shooter. Armand and Mildred Smith found the assailant hiding in some farm equipment near Mildred and convinced him to turn himself in. The Smiths attended the event as they have in years past.
“It was the longest day of my life,” said Armand Smith. “We drove him into town here and he was ready to give himself up.”
Curtis Dagenais was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He isn’t eligible for parole until 2031.
Ever since the event, the RCMP has hosted the Cameron and Bourdages Memorial BBQ in their honour, said Spiritwood RCMP Commander and Sergeant Sebastian Andrews.
RCMP organizers estimate about 500 came out to the barbecue.
This year being the RCMP’s 150th anniversary, Sgt. Andrews says they worked together with Pelican Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation Community Safety Officer’s to host a Pow Wow event, children’s activities and an RCMP Indigenous recruitment booth.
“This is part of reconciliation. We’re lucky that Saskatchewan has one of the first Indigenous recruitment programs,” said Sgt. Andrews.
VIDEO by Lisa Risom / Freelance Reporter
The Spiritwood RCMP provide coverage to about 7,500 people, spanning north of Chitek Lake and south to Millinger. One sergeant, seven constables and two corporals police the area and staff a sub-detachment on Pelican Lake First Nation.
“We continue to increase our policing in partnership with Pelican Lake First Nation that’s created their Community Safety Officer program to assist us,” said Sgt. Andrews.
See related story: Indigenous recruitment center of RCMP 150th anniversary in Sask.
*With files from Canadian Press
