Victoria hosted the 2021 B.C. Law Enforcement Memorial event under a grey Sunday afternoon sky.
The ceremony, which finished before rain started to fall, honoured the 129 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the province’s history. Each of their names, also inscribed on the garden’s British Columbia Law Enforcement Memorial, was read throughout the course of the ceremony.
The event, which formerly cycled between Victoria and the Lower Mainland annually, was held at its now permanent location, the Garden of Honour at the rear of the provincial legislature building. Decorated officers from municipal and RCMP detachments across the province, their families and about two dozen members of the public attended.
“Fortunately, here in British Columbia, no (police officers) lost their lives in the line of duty this past year,” said Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, who was also in attendance. “But this was an opportunity to recognize their service and to reflect on the fact that our safety and security comes with the great cost to some.”
READ ALSO: 5 people arrested after liquid poured on Victoria police chief at memorial for Chantel Moore
READ ALSO: Greater Victoria sees second-highest increase in severe crime across Canada
Despite not having ties to law enforcement in her own family, Austin said she sees it as her responsibility to honour people who have contributed across all segments of society.
Do you have a story tip? Email: kiernan.green@blackpress.ca.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
Police officers and RCMP stand at attention at the 2021 BC Law Enforcement Memorial, held behind the BC legislature building Sunday, Sept. 29. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
Police officers stand at attention at the 2021 BC Law Enforcement Memorial, held behind the BC legislature building Sunday, Sept. 29. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
Wreathes on behalf of different communities and levels of government before being presented to the BC Law Enforcement Memorial sculpture on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2021. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
A wreathe is presented by a member of the RCMP to the BC Law Enforcement Memorial sculpture. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
A police motorcade rolls past the lieutenant governor of BC behind the BC legislature, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2021. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
