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Mounties seek memorial for fallen officer

Sooke RCMP want to create a memorial of “significant recognition” for a local Mountie who died in the line of duty more than 50 years ago.
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RCMP

Sooke RCMP want to create a memorial of “significant recognition” for a local Mountie who died in the line of duty more than 50 years ago.

Const. Reg Williams, 21, was stationed at the Sooke Detachment following his graduation from the RCMP Depot Training Academy in Saskatchewan in 1964.

Originally from Portage La Prairie, Man., Williams had served only 15 days in Sooke at the time of his death.

At approximately 10 p.m. on Dec. 19, he was on routine patrol when his police car slid off the end of the government wharf in icy conditions, into the frigid waters below.

Williams was unable to free himself from the vehicle, and drowned before help could arrive.

Last December, Sooke RCMP marked the 50th anniversary with the unveiling of a small memorial plaque at the local detachment.

Now local Mounties hope District of Sooke council will erect a larger memorial.

“[We would like] to see something that could be seen by the entire community as his death was in service to the community,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff McArthur.

“His death wasn’t as grandiose as some police officers or firefighters deaths, but he was still on patrol doing his job here and died rather unceremoniously and very tragically.”

District council referred the request to municipal staff for a report on possible locations.