Last Sunday, hundreds gathered on Parliament Hill to pay their respect to the men and women of law enforcement who lost their lives during the course of duty.
This year’s ceremony was an occasion to remember the three Mounties who were killed during the June 4 mass shooting in Moncton. The names of a Toronto police constable and a Saskatchewan conservation officer who died in the line of duty were also added to the honour roll this year.
But the memorial also serves as an opportunity to say thanks to the countless police and peace officers who regularly put their lives at risk in the name of public safety.
In our national parks, that responsibility falls on park wardens. During the course of their day, these men and women face dangers ranging from unruly campers to hungry grizzly bears. The most recent fatality involving a park warden happened in 2002, when Michael Wynn’s life was cut short due to an avalanche.
Wynn, aged 37, had worked for Parks Canada for 13 years.
“Our national parks are breathtaking places,” said Eddie Kennedy, national advisor for Parks Canada. “But they come with their share of hazards. Our visitors owe a great debt to the wardens who keep our parks safe.”
Kennedy was in Ottawa last Sunday to represent our union during the ceremony.
Each year, the Union of National Employees and the Parks Canada Enforcement Branch collaborate to send ten park wardens to represent their comrades during the memorial. This year, the participants were Ben Alderman, Lisa Babineau, Courtney Bearinger, Jonathan Jansen, Eric Jensen, Daniel Keenan-Pelletier, Patrick Latreille, Julia Montgomery and Tyler Tilson.
The Union of National Employees wishes to recognize all our brave park wardens for their important public service.
