‘A policing trailblazer’: Tributes pour in for MFNPS chief believed to have died in house fire

Manitoba First Nations Police Service Chief Doug Palson is pictured at a graduation ceremony at Assiniboine Community College in April 2024. (MFNPS/Facebook)

The remains of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service’s (MFNPS) chief are believed to have been found following a fire at his home.

MFNPS said it believes Doug Palson was the victim of a tragic incident Wednesday morning.

RCMP said it received a report of a structure fire north of High Bluff shortly before 5 a.m., later learning it was at Palson’s home.

Once the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered human remains inside. MFNPS believes the remains are Palson’s.

MFNPS said it is working with RCMP and the Office of the Fire Commissioner as it investigates.

“Chief Palson was a passionate leader who loved our police service and its members who serve our 10 First Nation communities with pride and respect,” Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission Chair Sherri Thomas said in a post on the service’s Facebook page.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Palson’s family as they deal with this tragedy.”

‘A lasting legacy’

Tributes from communities Palson served poured in following news of his death.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew told reporters Thursday the loss is a tragic one for the province. He said he knew Palson both professionally and personally.

“He was somebody who believed in public safety and devoted his life to it and was working hard to make First Nations communities safer across Manitoba which is going to help all Manitobans have that better sense of public safety,” he said.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization sent condolences to Palson’s family, friends and colleagues, calling the shock and grief of such a sudden and tragic loss unimaginable.

“(Palson) dedicated his professional life to police leadership and passionately led the force in protecting 10 First Nations,” said SCO Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean. “He was a policing trailblazer and a staunch advocate for the safety and well-being of our Nations and peoples.”

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy called Palson’s death a profound loss for First Nations and the MFNPS.

“Chief Palson’s passion for justice, his leadership, and his love for the people he served will never be forgotten. On behalf of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, I send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and all those mourning this heartbreaking loss.”

Assembly of First Nations Manitoba Regional Chief Willie Moore said Palson exemplified what it means to serve with integrity and courage.

“His dedication to protecting and supporting our First Nations will leave a lasting legacy. During this difficult time, we stand with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service and all the communities impacted by this tragic loss.”

According to MFNPS’s website, Palson began his policing career with the Brandon Police Service and later served as Dryden Police Service’s chief.

Palson was named chief at the end of Nov. 2021.

Formal tribute to celebrate Palson to come: police service

MFNPS said in a news release Thursday there will be a more formal tribute in the days to come to celebrate Palson’s life and career.

Meanwhile, Inspector Jason Colon has been appointed interim chief.

“The 10 First Nation communities which are policed by the MFNPS can rest assured that we will continue to serve and protect them with honour and respect,” Thomas said.