The Lethbridge Police Service honours two officers who died in the line of duty. (Photo: Lethbridge Police Service) June 10, 2022.

By Mario Cabradilla

June 10: A fateful day honouring two Lethbridge police officers who died in the line of duty

Jun 10, 2022 | 7:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) held ceremonies on Friday, June 10, 2022 to honour two police officers who died in the line of duty.

Acting Sergeant Paul Smith and Constable Calvin Byam were the only officers in the history of the Lethbridge Police Service to die while on duty.

The LPS chose this date for the ceremonies because both officers died on June 10th, but more than 50 years apart. The locations of the memorial services are also significant, because they were held at the sites where the officers lost their lives.

Over a century ago, on June 10, 1913, a newly installed light wasn’t working on the corner of 3 Avenue and Stafford Drive South. Acting Sgt. Paul Smith tried to fix it, but he made contact with the exposed wire, and was electrocuted.

Police held a memorial service at the same corner on Friday, June 10, 2022. LPS Chaplain Aaron Moore said Smith had the vision of making the world a better place as a police officer.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: January 6-12, 2025

Jan 07, 2025

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 30 - January 5, 2025

Dec 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 16-22, 2024

Dec 17, 2024

“It gives me heart to know that vision is still present and alive in our members here today, and every day as you courageously serve. That vision is in your heart and it’s important to keep that vision strong,” Moore said to those in attendance at the service.

A separate service was also held Friday in the river valley where Constable Calvin Byam lost his life.

On June 10, 1964, there was severe flooding in the river valley. Cst. Byam was dispatched to assist with evacuating several people who were trapped on a small island in the river. When Cst. Byam attempted to cross the river on horseback, he was swept away and drowned.

Almost 60 years later, a member of Byam’s family joined the LPS at Friday’s ceremony to honour the officer’s legacy. Byam’s grandaughter, Hallie Leavitt, said she is grateful to all those involved, because the memorial helps her connect with her grandfather.

LPS retirees also attended Byam’s memorial, including 98-year-old Glen Michelson, who was on duty the day Byam died. Michelson said it was “heart breaking,” and he remembers the constable as a good family man, and as an officer who never ran from anything.

LPS Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh said that it is essential never to forget the sacrifices of the two officers who died in the line of duty.

“It is important to always remember such sacrifices because we want to make sure they don’t go unnoticed and they are never forgotten,” he said Friday. “We will continue to celebrate their lives and honour them for the sacrifices they made.”