WINNIPEG — A Manitoba police chief believed to have died in a house fire is being remembered as a dedicated leader and an advocate for the safety and well-being of First Nations communities.
The Manitoba First Nations Police Service said in a statement Wednesday evening it is believed Chief Doug Palson died in a fire at his home earlier that day.
RCMP were called to the home west of Winnipeg in the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, which they confirmed belonged to Palson. They say they found remains inside, but have not confirmed the identity of the deceased.
Mounties said they had no new information to release on Thursday, adding they will confirm the identity once it has been determined through an autopsy.
At an unrelated event Thursday, Premier Wab Kinew called Palson a "heck of a guy" and said his impact is felt beyond the communities where he worked.
"He was somebody who believed in public safety, devoted his life to it and was working hard to make First Nations communities safer across Manitoba," Kinew told reporters.
The Southern Chiefs' Organization expressed shock and grief.
“(Chief Doug Palson) dedicated his professional life to police leadership and passionately led the force in protecting 10 First Nations,” said 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.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said Palson had an unwavering commitment to public safety and his contributions will be remembered for generations.
"Chief Palson's passion for justice, his leadership and his love for the people he served will never be forgotten," said acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.
Palson served seven years as chief of the Dakota Ojibway Police Service before it expanded to other communities and changed its name to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service in 2018.
It polices nine First Nations in southern Manitoba and one in the north.
The Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission, which governs the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, announced Thursday it has named Insp. Jason Colon as interim chief of police.
"We will carry on the work that Chief Palson had championed throughout his career in First Nation policing," chair Sherri Thomas said in a statement.
Palson began his career with the Brandon Police Service, says an online biography. He advanced in rank to join that force's senior leadership team.
He also worked in northwestern Ontario for six years as chief of the Dryden Police Service.
Brandon police posted on social media that members were "deeply saddened" to learn of Palson's death.
"In times like these, we stand united as one family in blue — when one of us falls, the loss is felt by all," it said.
"Our hearts and prayers are with his family, his work family and the entire community. His dedication and service will never be forgotten."
Wayne Balcaen, Brandon's former police chief and current Progressive Conservative legislature member, remembered Palson as a friend, colleague and leader in the policing community.
"Doug’s leadership in public service and protecting others left an impact on everyone who had the pleasure to meet him, and the privilege to work alongside him," he said in a statement.
Balcaen offered his condolences to Palson's wife, son and daughter.
The Winnipeg Police Service added its condolences on social media, saying Manitoba has lost a dedicated leader in law enforcement and that Palson's commitment to public safety will not be forgotten.
Palson received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Manitoba Excellence in Law Enforcement Award and the Governor General's Officer Order of Merit Award.
RCMP continue to investigate and have not said what caused the fire.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2025.
Brittany Hobson, The Canadian Press
