December 19 marks 50 years since the on-duty death of Cst. Reginald Williams in Sooke, in 1964.
At 21 years old, Reginald was stationed at the Sooke Detachment following his graduation from the RCMP Depot Training Academy, Regina, Saskatchewan. Originally from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Reginald had served only 15 days in Sooke at the time of his tragic death.
At approximately 10 p.m., 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. Cst. Williams was unable to free himself from the vehicle, and drowned before help could arrive.
“It is important that those of us serving in the RCMP today remember those who have gone before us,” says S/Sgt. Jeff McArthur, Detachment Commander of the Sooke RCMP. “While the way we police has changed and evolved, the commitment and dedication of our officers remains the same.”
At 1 p.m. on December 19, 2014, officers and staff from the Sooke RCMP Detachment held a short ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of Cst. Williams’ death. The ceremony took place at the Sooke Detachment, before a memorial dedicated in Cst. Williams’ memory.