A Manitoba Mountie, gunned down near Russell 14 years ago, has been honoured by the Province of Manitoba.

Manitoba is honouring the life and legacy of RCMP Cst. Dennis Strongquill by naming a lake near Flin Flon to commemorate this fallen officer, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff announced today.

“All Manitobans remember the tragic loss of Cst. Strongquill and it is truly our honour to permanently create a place that will recognize his life and ultimate sacrifice,” said Minister Nevakshonoff.

A lake approximately 45 kilometres north of Flin Flon was selected and is now named Lake Strongquill.  The minister noted this decision was also unanimously supported by the Flin Flon mayor and council earlier this month.

Cst. Strongquill, a 20-year veteran with the RCMP, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Dec. 21, 2001.

“Cst. Strongquill dedicated his life to protecting the people of Manitoba and making our communities safer,” said Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, commanding officer, ‘D’ Division, RCMP. “The naming of Lake Strongquill is a humbling honour and will ensure that his sacrifice is never forgotten.”

“Manitoba’s peace officers put their lives at risk to protect us. It is very fitting to name a piece of our province after those we have lost, ensuring their names will live on,” Attorney General Gord Mackintosh said today while appearing at an event on behalf of Minister Nevakshonoff.

The minister noted this commemorative naming is part of a broader government commitment to name provincial geographic features after fallen peace officers.