Across the country, flags were flown at half-mast, speeches were made and ceremonies were held in honour of the country's fallen servicemen and women.
Sunday marked the Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day, which began 33 years ago following the murder of Ottawa Const. David Kirkwood in 1977. The federal government made Sept. 25 a national day of mourning in 1998.
While there were no official ceremonies in Prince George, the flag on top of the local RCMP detachment was flown at half-mast.
"[Law enforcement is a huge family, even internationally. We offer support across Canada and across the border," said RCMP Supt. Rod Booth.
The day is meant to pay tribute to all police and peace officers who have passed away in the line of duty and that can be an emotional prospect.
"It opens old wounds on the old cases and fresh, raw emotion with the new families as part of the ceremonies," Booth said. "We all know someone, or in passing of someone, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."
In a written statement, B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Shirley Bond thanked the men and women who had paid the ultimate price, as well as their friends and families for supporting them.
"Police and peace officers face daily what few of us contemplate as we head to work: the possibility that they won't return home," she said. "This remains a tragic reality despite the extensive training officers receive, the protective equipment at their disposal, their well-deserved faith in each other and the support from dispatchers and information-sharing systems to make what are often split-second decisions."
Although there were no officer deaths in the province this year, 106 officers have died in the line of duty over the years. Bond said the province joins in the mourning of the four officers who died across the country this year.
"Despite the risk, police and peace officers remain committed to their work - and to their comrades, known and unknown," Bond wrote. "It is incredibly moving when we see officers from departments across North America converge to honour the passing of their own."
-- with files from Frank Peebles
