SENSELESS TRAGEDY

Four young Mounties were killed in the line of duty Thursday on a drug
raid on a marijuana grow operation near Mayerthorpe, Alberta.

The senseless deaths of these police officers have aroused feelings of
shock, horror and profound sadness in this community, across the
country, and around the world.

It's unimaginable that four young officers could be killed in the line
of duty in one fail swoop.

This horrible tragedy brings home to each and every Canadian the
reality that every time a police officer goes out into the field,
their lives are at risk.

It takes brave individuals to chose a career where their personal
safety is at risk every time they go out the door.

While deaths occasionally and sporadically happen, for four officers
to be senselessly gunned down in Canada, in a tiny rural Albertan
community, no less, is impossible to comprehend.

What's really scary is that this man was known as a menace in the
community and yet he continued to walk the streets and threaten his
neighbours.

If anything good can come out of this tragedy, hopefully it will be a
justice system that actually punishes people that break the law, and
sees that they serve their entire sentence.

Our profound sympathy and condolences go out to the families and
friends of the four officers who won't be coming home.

And, our heartfelt appreciation goes out to those who continue to
fight the fight.