Let's Talk

In Memory of Louise Pargeter

National Memorial Service
Honouring a Fallen Colleague

By Mary Beth Wolicky, Communications Officer, Communications and Citizen Engagement Sector
Photos: Bill Rankin

Over 700 people from across Canada gathered in Ottawa on Monday, November 29, 2004, to honour and remember Community Parole Officer Louise Pargeter who was killed in the line of duty on October 6, 2004, in Yellowknife.

Ottawa's Christ Church Anglican Cathedral was the site for the service. Special guests included Louise's partner Anne Lynagh, her parents, Mike and Judy Pargeter, as well as other friends and family.

The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC), attended. The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew (Member of Parliament, Western Arctic) and the Premier of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Joseph Handley, and other dignitaries attended, as well.

This national ceremony was the final good-bye to Ms. Pargeter. Other ceremonies have been held across Canada, but this official ceremony gave the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) an opportunity to formally recognize Louise and her work as well as that of other peace officers.

The procession of the CSC Guard of Honour into the cathedral signalled the

beginning of the ceremony. The Guard of Honour, led by Guard Commander Rick Cameron (Prairie Region) and Second in Command Kelly Hartle (Prairie Region), included five correctional officers from each region.

To honour the loss of one of their own, a contingent of 25 parole officers from across Canada was given a place of honour in the cathedral.

CSC Acting Commissioner Don Head spoke about Louise and her professionalism and the shock still felt by the CSC family and many others.

"Canada's parole officers work quietly behind the scenes to protect the public," he noted. "The successful completion of their mission rarely puts them in the spotlight. Their goal is simple, yet so profoundly important: to help keep communities safe by assisting offenders to rejoin our communities as productive, law-abiding citizens."

Mr. Head continued, "When tragedy strikes, that changes. The work that our parole officers and our other correctional employees do is suddenly thrust into the spotlight. Louise's death is a prime example of this. Her death leaves a deep and unremitting sorrow in each of us. Today, we take this opportunity to collectively mourn Louise and to celebrate her life."

Deputy Prime Minister McLellan presented Louise's partner, Ms. Lynagh, with the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal and Certificate. Created in 1984, this prestigious medal recognizes outstanding service by members of high-risk professions who provide public security.

Mr. and Mrs. Pargeter were presented with a Canadian flag carried by the CSC Guard of Honour - part of a tradition held by correctional officers.

During the memorial service, a CSC Fallen Officer Plaque honouring Louise was installed on the Memorial Wall. The wall's permanent location is in the Commissioner's office in Ottawa. Identical plaques honouring Louise were installed in the Yellowknife Parole Office, and each of CSC's regional headquarters.