Chief Doug Palson remembered as 'trailblazer' instrumental in Indigenous-led policing
Manitoba First Nations Police Service believes Palson's remains were found in his burned home Wednesday
A Manitoba police chief is being remembered as a staunch advocate for Indigenous-led policing who work tirelessly to make First Nations communities safer, after his remains were believed to have been found in a house ravaged by fire earlier this week.
Portage la Prairie Fire and Emergency Chief Brad Bailey said crews were dispatched to a fire northeast of the city near the community of High Bluff early Wednesday morning.
When firefighters arrived, they found the house completely burned, and all that was left was the chimney standing, Bailey said. After investigating, they determined there could have been somebody inside the house.
RCMP were called to the home, which they confirmed belonged to Doug Palson, the chief of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service. They say they found remains inside but have not confirmed the identity of the deceased.
But the police service said it believes the remains were of Chief Doug Palson.
"Palson was a remarkable leader, devoted public servant and beloved member of the policing community," the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission, which governs the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, said in a statement Thursday.
"He led with compassion, empathy and integrity and was a tireless advocate for Indigenous-led, culturally safe, community-based policing."
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Chief Gordon Bluesky is remembering Palson as a kind man who had an instrumental role in bringing the Manitoba First Nations Police Service to the community.
"We very much needed to take steps towards making our community safer, he was very much in tune," Bluesky said. "He really took that to heart."
Brokenhead became the 10th community to be patrolled by MFNPS after opening a temporary detachment in October, a milestone Bluesky believed wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Palson.
Bluesky said the community had been looking for a culturally centred police force made up of First Nations people, and Palson worked closely with the council over the last year and a half to ensure everything was in place for the transition.
"He kind of had that very much a police presence about him, but also a very kind and caring person … and an understanding of our people," Bluesky said. "For me, [it] went a long way."
WATCH | Tributes pour in for Manitoba police chief after fatal house fire:
At an unrelated news conference Thursday, Premier Wab Kinew echoed similar sentiments, saying Palson was "a heck of a guy" who worked hard to make First Nations communities safer.
The Southern Chiefs Organization said the shock and grief from Palson's sudden and tragic loss is unimaginable.
"He was a policing trailblazer and a staunch advocate for the safety and well-being of our nations and peoples," SCO Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean said in a statement.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Assembly of First Nations Manitoba have also called the incident a tragedy and a profound loss.
Palson's legacy after 35-plus years in service
Palson served seven years as chief of the Dakota Ojibway Police Service before it expanded to other communities and changed its name to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service in 2018.
Sherri Thomas, chair of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission, said the force will carry on the work Palson championed throughout his career in policing, which spanned more than 35 years.
The police chief began his career with the Brandon Police Service, says an online biography. He advanced in rank to join that force's senior leadership team. He also worked in northwestern Ontario for six years as chief of the Dryden Police Service.
Brandon police posted on social media that members were "deeply saddened" to learn of Palson's death.
"In times like these, we stand united as one family in blue — when one of us falls, the loss is felt by all," it said. "Our hearts and prayers are with his family, his work family and the entire community. His dedication and service will never be forgotten."
Wayne Balcaen, Brandon's former police chief and current Progressive Conservative legislature member, remembered Palson as a friend, colleague and leader in the policing community.
"Doug's leadership in public service and protecting others left an impact on everyone who had the pleasure to meet him, and the privilege to work alongside him," he said in a statement.
Balcaen offered his condolences to Palson's family. The Winnipeg Police Service, as well as the Edmonton and Calgary police departments added their condolences on social media.
The RCMP continue to investigate and are expected to share more details Friday. In the meantime the Manitoba First Nations Police Service has named Insp. Jason Colon as interim chief.
With files from Chelsea Kemp, Erin Brohman and The Canadian Press