Bower Place marked a significant occasion on January 25, rededicating its new memorial that pays homage to the sacrifice of four RCMP constables in Mayerthorpe, Alberta, on March 3, 2005. The event drew a crowd, including representatives from the RCMP, the Myrol family, community members, and emergency services. This newly rejuvenated monument stands as a poignant symbol of respect, gratitude, and remembrance for the courageous RCMP officers who valiantly protected our communities.
The devastating news of March 3, 2005, brought tragedy to our community as we learned about the loss of four Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) constables in Mayerthorpe, Alberta. The fallen officers—Constable Peter Schiemann, Constable Anthony Gordon, Constable Lionide (Leo) Johnston, and Constable Brock Myrol—are remembered with deep reverence.
Constable Brock Warren Myrol, who had previously served as a security officer at Zellers for nine years, had a special connection to Bower Place. A Red Deer native, he graduated from the RCMP training academy in Regina, Saskatchewan, and is commemorated in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Honour Roll Book on page 208.
In 2005, Bower Place unveiled a life-size statue of an RCMP officer and his horse, a solemn tribute to the four fallen constables. This impactful memorial stood at the south entrance of Bower Place for over 16 years.
In June 2022, recognizing the significance of the memorial, Bower Place decided to relocate the statue while a new memorial was designed and made. This meticulous process ensured that the statue, representing the dedication, professionalism, and service of the RCMP, is respectfully presented to the public. The statue serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by RCMP officers in safeguarding our communities.
Ben Windsor, Marketing Manager at Bower Place, expressed the lasting impact of the brave RCMP officers on the community: “Bower Place recognizes the lasting impact of these brave RCMP officers on our community, honouring their memory through the rededication of our new memorial. Their sacrifices echo within our walls, and their unwavering commitment to duty and protection is integral to the fabric of our community.”. This memorial was specifically made to look like one of the officers, Brock Myrol, who was involved in the tragedy, and was meant to focus solely on the sacrifices made by these four officers.
Red Deer RCMP Supt. Holly Glassford emphasized the importance of community support for the families of the fallen officers: “There are a number of officers that work in the Red Deer detachment who had close ties (to the officers). It’s very important to acknowledge and take part in this community celebration today.”
