Constable Robert Carrick was shot and killed on August 23, 1969
LaSalle is remembering a fallen officer who died in the line of duty 50 years ago today.
Constable Robert Carrick, 23, was an officer with the former Township of Sandwich West police force, when he responded to a domestic assault at a home on August 23, 1969.
He was fatally shot and killed.
On Friday, members of LaSalle Town Council and LaSalle Police held a ceremony to remember Carrick's sacrifice and to never forget.
"We owe it to these officers, to these first responders to everyone in our community to know that they are cared for, that are loved and I truly believe this, that 50 years ago a promise was made to family to never forget and we fulfill that promise today," said LaSalle Town Councillor Mike Akpata.
LaSalle Police Chief John Leontowicz told the crowd in attendance that police conduct their duties with compassion, caring and competence.
"The LaSalle Police Service has the honour to preserve his memory and fulfill the promise that we will never forget him or his sacrifice," he said. "The motto of the Ontario Police Memorial is that fallen officers are heroes in life not in death."
LaSalle Mayor Marc Bondy says Carrick sacrificed his life so others may live.
"Robert Carrick will not be forgotten. We do this to keep his memory alive."
The suspect was convicted of first-degree-murder and sentenced to capital punishment.
The punishment was later changed to life in prison when capital punishment was abolished.
He was released 10 years later on full parole.