Body of Const. Shelby Patton returned to Wolseley

The body of fallen RCMP Const. Shelby Patton returned to the community of Wolseley on Tuesday.

People dressed in red lined the streets, standing in quiet solidarity to mourn a life taken too soon.

Residents of Wolseley wear red to pay tribute to RCMP Const. Shelby Patton on June 15, 2021. (Mattea Columpsi/980 CJME)

Patton was killed Saturday in Wolseley after conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle that allegedly had been stolen in Manitoba.

The vehicle carrying Patton’s body made its way through the town towards Tubman Funeral Home, followed by a large procession of emergency services vehicles including RCMP, police, EMS and firefighting vehicles.

Standing on the corner of Claude and Front streets, Wolseley resident Robert Taylor was holding a Canadian flag.

“There was a palpable feeling of sadness the other day when we started to hear about what had happened in our little town which we hold precious to us,” Taylor said.

“It happened a block away from my home. That feeling of sadness remains but we also know that we will continue to go on.”

Also there to show his support was MLA Steven Bonk.

“Today’s the day that we can show our local RCMP officers and broader Canada RCMP officers that we respect you, we trust you, we support you,” Bonk said. “And today, we honour you.

“(This is) something we just can’t imagine that could happen here and it’s just overwhelming sadness in the community.”

For residents like Taylor, the tragedy hit close to home, as last weekend his daughter married an RCMP officer in another community.

“(RCMP officers) are integral to the success and the good life that we live here,” Taylor said. “The RCMP for 100 years plus have supported this community and kept us safe, and we appreciate it.”

Residents of Wolseley wear red to pay tribute to RCMP Const. Shelby Patton on June 15, 2021. (Mattea Columpsi/980 CJME)

Taylor has lived in Wolseley, as well as on a farm outside the small community. Both his maternal and paternal family have been there since 1882.

“We pray for the family of Const. Patton and his friends, and all of those in the Indian Head detachment that have served us so well and kept us safe, and continue to do so,” Taylor said.

“This won’t stop Wolseley. This won’t stop Indian Head. And we appreciate the service of each and every RCMP officer and the civilians that support them in their work. We will never forget this moment.”

Premier Scott Moe took a moment during a COVID-related media conference to offer his thoughts on the procession and on Patton’s passing.

“I offer on behalf of the province our condolences to the late Const. Shelby Patton’s wife, his family and all of his friends and really express our deep gratitude for the service that this young man had provided on behalf of his community and on behalf of the province and the nation of Canada,” Moe said.