City of Regina lowers flags after community concerns

The City of Regina lowered the flags in front of City Hall after RCMP Const. Shelby Patton’s death —  but it took days to do so.

People near City Hall were upset to see flags had not been lowered in front of the building as of Tuesday. The decision to lower them wasn’t made until Wednesday.

Any of my Regina friends know why City Hall has not lowered the flag for Cst. Shelby Patton? I find that quite disturbing. @louisbrowne2015 @gleocbc pic.twitter.com/gH1OuhPuq0

— Paul Derry (@Paul_Derry) June 15, 2021

“There’s a flag policy held at all levels of government and ours didn’t include RCMP officers killed in the line of duty unless they were residents of the city of Regina,” Mayor Sandra Masters said on Thursday.

“Given the fact that we have the RCMP Depot and all RCMP officers across the country are graduates of our city, it was a quick discussion based upon some feedback I was getting from councillors and staffing that folks were reaching out to the office.

“I went to the city clerk and city manager and they both agreed that it made sense to lower it. But on a forward basis, we will change the policy and we’re very happy to honour those serving and those that been killed in the line of duty.”

Patton, 26, worked at the Indian Head detachment for the entirety of his six years and four months of service.

He was killed on Saturday in Wolseley after responding to reports of a stolen truck.

Alphonse Traverse, 41, and 42-year-old Marlene Pagee, both from Winnipeg, made their first court appearance Monday on charges of manslaughter, failing to stop after an accident resulting in death, vehicle theft and other related charges.

Flags at City Hall have been lowered to half-mast in honour of fallen RCMP Constable Shelby Patton.

We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/B8BhtWkbTu

— City of Regina (@CityofRegina) June 16, 2021