Saint John honours Const. Douglas Larche with park

Saint John is revamping one of its parks on the citys west side and renaming it after Const. Douglas Larche, who was one of the three RCMP officers killed in Moncton in June.

Coun. Greg Norton said a lot of work has to be done before Larche Memorial Park officially opens on Oct. 19.

The existing Quinton Heights Park will be getting a new granite monument, paths, 12 park benches, new signage, a flag pole and royal red maple trees.

"The community signalled that it had a desire to somehow recognize Const. Larche and the ultimate sacrifice that he paid and the City of Saint John was responsive to that desire, Norton said.

Norton said it's the perfect memorial because of the purpose it serves.

"A park is so fitting, because it's enjoyed by some of the city's most vulnerable and by some of our youngest and those are the very people that first responders, men and women in service and in uniform are called to protect every day, Norton said.

Larche was originally from Saint John. He was working for the Codiac RCMP when he was gunned down by Justin Christien Bourque, 24.

Const. Dave Joseph Ross and Const. Fabrice Georges Gevaudan were also killed. Const. ric Stphane J. Dubois and Const. Marie Darlene Goguen were wounded in the June 4 attack.

In August, Bourque pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

RCMP Const. Dave Matthews worked with Larche in Moncton and said it is a fitting tribute for his friend.

"It's great for the community to come forward, dedicating this park towards Doug, Matthews said.

He was a leader in the community. It's in his hometown, which makes it extra special. It's great to honour not only Doug but the other two members that fell with him."

The changes to the park are being paid donors and community partners, including 17 businesses.

This is the latest tribute for the three fallen officers.

Last Sunday, the hundreds of Canadian police and peace officers gatheredon Parliament Hill to remember colleagues killed in the line of duty, including the three RCMP officers killed in Moncton.

Earlier in September, the names of Larche, Gevaudan and Ross were added to the cenotaph at the RCMP training academy in Regina.

In August, Saint Johns Marathon by the Sea dedicated the first section of the race, which is known as the Red Mile, to Larche who was planning to run this year.