Pubdate: Tue, 08 Mar 2005 Source: Pincher Creek Echo (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Pincher Creek Echo Contact: http://www.pinchercreekecho.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1835 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek