Police officers, City of Terrace officials and family and friends came together to honour a police officer killed 30 years ago today.
A large plaque with a photo and writeup about Const. Mike Buday was unveiled at a ceremony at the newly-named Constable Michael Buday Park behind the 5300 block of Mountain Vista.
Buday, 27 at the time of his death, was shot on the shores of Teslin Lake by Michael Oros, a 33-year-old recluse who lived alone in the bush.
Oros was being sought for a number of crimes, including break and enter and Buday was part of a RCMP emergency response team sent up to find him.
Oros was himself then shot and killed by another member of the RCMP team.
Buday's two brothers and sister were at the dedication as were RCMP officers who trained with him.
“We're delighted you're honouring our brother,” said Bob Buday, adding it gave the family peace and comfort.
He added that he was pleased that this park was chosen to be named after his brother, who used to run with his dog there.
Kitsumkalum chief Don Roberts and his aunt Shirley Bolton opened up with a prayer and welcome to everyone, saying that Kitsumkalum and Kitselas has a great relationship with the RCMP.
Terrace Mayor Carol Leclerc said she remembered the day Buday was killed and her shock at how something like that could happen here.
“It's not often people, events make such an impact,” she said.
Chief Superintendent Rod Booth, who is in charge of the north's RCMP detachments, was at the dedication as was Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, who is in charge of the RCMP's operations in B.C.
Callens said the park dedication is a tribute to a “young member” taken too soon.
Several city councillors were on hand too as was former mayor Dave Pernarowski.
After the dedication, a community barbecue was held at the Terrace RCMP detachment.