January 19, 2016
Commodore Lake to Commemorate Fallen Correctional Officer
– – –First Correctional Officer in Manitoba to be Recognized: Minister Nevakshonoff
Manitoba will commemorate the life of Rhonda Commodore, a dedicated correctional officer who lost her life while serving her community and the province, by naming a lake in her honour, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff.
“Ms. Commodore served with pride and commitment, and her loss was keenly felt by her family, especially her young son, as well as her community and the people who worked with her every day,” said Minister Nevakshonoff.
A lake approximately 45 kilometres north of Flin Flon was selected and will be named Commodore Lake. The minister noted this decision was unanimously supported by the Flin Flon mayor and council earlier this month.
Commodore began serving as a correctional officer at The Pas Correctional Centre in 2000 and was chosen to be a part of the officers’ honour guard in 2004. On Nov. 6, 2014, she was killed in a motor vehicle collision while transporting inmates from The Pas to Dauphin.
“Naming a lake in Rhonda Commodore’s honour, and thereby recognizing for eternity her contributions to community safety and service, is a very special and appropriate gesture in remembering her,” said Michelle Gawronsky, president, Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union. “It is comforting that now all Manitobans, including her extended family as well as her correctional officer family, have one more reason to think of and cherish her and keep her memory alive.”
“We are proud to help ensure that Ms. Commodore’s legacy will continue to live on through the province’s commemorative naming program,” said Attorney General Gord Mackintosh at an event on behalf of Minister Nevakshonoff today.
The minister noted this commemorative naming is part of a broader government commitment to name provincial geographic features after fallen peace officers and first responders.
- 30 -