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Wednesday marks the 16th anniversary of what has become known as the Mayerthorpe tragedy.
The killing of four RCMP members on a farm north of Rochfort Bridge on March 3, 2005 led to sadness and mourning across the country, a televised memorial service, and memorials being set up in both Mayerthorpe (pictured above) and Whitecourt.
Constables Peter Schiemann. Brock Myrol and Leo Johnston from the Mayerthorpe detachment, along with Constable Anthony Gordon, who was stationed in Whitecourt, were shot and killed during an investigation into a marijuana grow op and chop shop on that farm.
Gunman James Roszko later took his own life after being wounded in a shootout with another Mountie. Several weapons were later found in a Quonset where the shootings took place.
Mayerthorpe’s Fallen Four: Premier Kenney
Premier Jason Kenney released this statement on the anniversary of the killings of four Alberta RCMP officers in Mayerthorpe:
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“I ask Albertans to join me in remembering the Fallen Four – RCMP Constables Anthony Gordon, Leo Johnston, Brock Myrol and Peter Schiemann – who were shot and killed in the line of duty on this day in 2005. Their day began by investigating a rural marijuana grow operation and chop shop; it ended as the worst single-day loss of life for the RCMP in its history.