RCMP MURDERS RESONATE WITH LOCAL MEMBERS

The murder of four RCMP members in northwest Alberta last week has had a
powerful impact on members of Golden's local police force.

"The RCMP is a big family and when you have tragedy like this -with one
member let alone four - it is a big shock to the entire organization," says
Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac.

"It's like Golden losing half its detachment in one event."

The Mounties were gunned down last Thursday while attempting to bust a
marijuana grow operation at a farm in Rochfort Bridge, Alta. "When
something like this happens most members tend to think more of our spouses,
and our friends and our families and how they feel about it," says Sgt.
Shehovac.

"We live with it and know that we can be put in that situation, whereas our
famlilies have a difficult time with it."

Sgt. Shehovac says Golden's police force can relate to the size of the
detachment from Mayerthorpe, a town of 1,500. Residents there say the local
Mounties were well known around the community, actively involved with
charity events and minor hockey.

No memorial arrangements had been announced as the Star went to press. Sgt.
Shehovac says that when they are, it's likely a representative will be sent
from the Golden detachment.

"I'm sure one guy might want to attend," he says. "And I imagine there will
be a large contingency from all over going."