The death of Indian Head Constable Shelby Patton on Saturday has prompted a call to wear red on Tuesday.
Condolences and support for the family and RCMP officers are flowing following Patton’s death in the line of duty.
Sergeant Brad Mouland of the Lloydminster detachment acknowledges that officers put their lives on the line everyday in service of the community and they are thankful for the support.
“It’s a very sombre occasion when this does happen and it’s one of these things that does happen in policing. One of the things that’s evident in the last few days since this tragedy happened is that we are very appreciative of the outpouring of support from various communities across Alberta, Saskatchewan and across the entire country and to our detachment here in Lloydminster.”
Lloydminster has 49 officers on the duty roster under the leadership of Inspector Lee Brachmann. Mouland speaks to the level of assistance that unfolds when an officer passes away in the line of duty.
“We would have various RCMP supports that would help out members of our organization as well as groups within the community. As with the movement of wearing red, a lot of that is driven by various outside groups. So we are very appreciative of any of the condolences and the help that we do get when things like this happen.”
Patton served more than six years with the Indian Head detachment. Flags at RCMP detachments across Saskatchewan will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of Patton’s funeral. The body of the slain officer was taken to the funeral home in Wolseley, Saskatchewan on Tuesday.
Saskatchewan RCMP have indicated that the public can submit their condolences by emailing: RCMP.Condolences-Condoleances.