Alberta Premier Jason Kenney released a statement today on 16 years since four Alberta Mounties, including Lac La Biche's Leo Johnston, were killed during an ambush in Mayerthorpe.
“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," said Kenney.
The four RCMP members were stationed in the Mayerthorpe area and that day were part of an investigation about an alleged rural marijuana grow operation and chop shop.
It ended as the worst single-day loss of life for the RCMP in its history, said Kenney.
“As the years pass, it’s more important than ever to honour these men who lost their lives in service to our communities. They were more than four brave and dedicated RCMP constables. They were loved and respected members of their families and communities," said the Premier. “As we remember the Fallen Four, let us also remember all who have fallen in the line of duty protecting us and the rule of law."
The premier says generations of Albertans need to remember the sacrifices made by all men and women in law enforcement.
“They put their lives on the line for us every time they put on the uniform," he said.
Local supports
Lac La Biche County Mayor Omer Moghrabi has also commented on the significance and sadness of the date.
"On March 3, 2005, we suffered a significant loss: that was the day that RCMP Constable Leo Johnston and his fellow officers gave up their lives in the line of duty, protecting their community to the very end," he said, calling their ultimate sacrifice something to be revered. "The ‘warrior spirit’ that the fallen four demonstrated is an inspiration to us all, and I hope that their families continue to heal from this tragedy, taking solace in the fact that these men passed away as heroes."
Moghrabi who has known the family for decades, has been part of several dedication ceremonies in the community to honour the Fallen Four, including a special law enforcement bursary in Johnston's honour that is funded by the municipality.
The RCMP Constable Leo N. Johnston Memorial Bursary & Scholarship Endowment was first introduced in 2006 and has since provided education funding to more than 45 people seeking further education in an emergency-service career path.
Community donations can still be made to the permanent endowment fund.
Cst. Leo Johnson in this file photo supplied by the family. SubmittedLionide (Leo) Johnston was 32 years old when he was killed. Johnston was born in the Owl River area and went to school in Lac La Biche. In the investigation following the shooting, it was learned that Johnson was the only member to return fire as the gunman shot a high-powered assault rifle at the four as they stood inside a storage building on a rural farm. Johnston's bullet, shot from his handgun, struck the gunman's belt. The gunman was later found dead following a second exchange of gunfire with an officer who was outside the building.
As well as the Fallen Four Memorial in Mayerthorpe, a local memorial monument, bench and decorative display can be found at the Our Lady of the Snow cemetery in Owl River, about 25 kilometres north of the Lac La Biche hamlet. Johnston's name is also part of a memorial dedication marker outside the Lac La Biche RCMP detachment.
Johnston had been a professional motorcycle racer and shared a passion for police work with his twin brother Lee who is also an RCMP member.
Brock Myrol was 29 and enjoyed playing the guitar.
Anthony Gordon was 28 and liked to fish and snowmobile.
Peter Schiemann was 25 and was an avid skydiver.
Family legacy
In the years following their deaths, Johsnton's family fought to have proper firearms available to RCMP officers. His mother, the late Grace Johnston, was an advocate for legislation that would better protect officers.
In 2011, the RCMP approved the distribution of semi-automatic carbine rifles for all of their detachments across Canada.
