Manitoba First Nations police chief dies in house fire

A house fire claimed the life of Manitoba First Nations Police (MFNP) Chief Doug Palson on Jan. 8 in the RM of Portage la Prairie.

An MFNP press release issued later that day said his body was discovered after the fire was extinguished.

The release went on to express their thoughts and prayers for Palson’s family.

“We are also sharing in the grief and loss which is being felt by the members of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service,” the release added. “We are all connected as a united police family at this time.”

Palson was described as a “passionate leader who loved our police service and its members who serve our 10 First Nation communities with pride and respect.”

Palson had a long record of policing.

He was named chief of the MFNP in late 2021 and held that position until his death.

Prior to that he was the Dryden Police Chief for six years, spent seven years as the chief of the Dakota Ojibway Police Service (which was later named the MFNP), and worked for two decades for the Brandon Police Force.

With a Metis background, the Interlake raised Palson told The Carillon in a 2022 interview at Roseau River First Nation, that he was drawn to First Nations policing. He said mutual respect between detachments and communities made partnerships with the community possible, whether it’s with local community leaders, elders, youth organizations or backing health education.

“We work closely with those groups, take advantage of any opportunities there are to get involved and become part of the fabric of the community, and that inherently in itself leads to being a lot more culturally competent within the context of what we’re doing,” he said.

Palson also explained that all members, including those who are not Indigenous embrace the cultural aspects of the community they serve.

“All our members, whether Indigenous or not, strive for the same thing for the community,” he said.

In a Jan. 9 statement, Sherri Thomas, chair of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission had high praise for Palson.

“Chief Palson was a remarkable leader, devoted public servant and beloved member of the policing community,” she said. “He led with compassion empathy and integrity, and was a tireless advocate for Indigenous-led, culturally safe, community-based policing.”

“Chief Palson devoted his life and his career to public safety, justice and reconciliation,” she added.

Thomas said a more formal tribute to Palson that will celebrate his life and 35 years of policing is being planned.

She also assured the public that they will continue serving their communities with honour and respect.

Insp. Jason Colon has been named interim chief of police.