Manitoba is commemorating the life and legacy of Dennis Strongquill by naming a lake near Flin Flon in honour of the slain RCMP officer.
A lake about 45 km north of Flin Flon is now named Lake Strongquill, with Flin Flon city council unanimously supporting the decision.
“All Manitobans remember the tragic loss of Cst. Strongquill and it is truly our honour to permanently create a place that will recognize his life and ultimate sacrifice,” Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff said.
Strongquill, a 20-year veteran with the RCMP, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Dec. 21, 2001 in Russell, Manitoba.
The aboriginal officer’s death prompted the Flin Flon city council of the day to write a letter to the federal government requesting that the deliberate killing of an RCMP officer continue to automatically carry a first-degree murder charge.
“Manitoba’s peace officers put their lives at risk to protect us,” Attorney General Gord Mackintosh said. “It is very fitting to name a piece of our province after those we have lost, ensuring their names will live on.”
This commemorative naming is part of a broader government plan to christen provincial geographic features after fallen peace officers.
With files from a Government of Manitoba news release
