Colon named interim MFNPS chief
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/01/2025 (440 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba First Nations Police Service has named an interim replacement as tributes continue to pour in for its chief, who is believed to have died in a house fire.
The MFNPS said in a news release late Thursday afternoon that Insp. Jason Colon is now its interim chief.
Human remains believed to those of Chief Doug Palson were found in the rubble of a house that burned to the ground just north of the small community of High Bluff, northeast of Portage la Prairie, early Wednesday.
“In the days to come there will be a more formal tribute, which will celebrate his life and his career in policing, which spanned over 35 years,” Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission chair Sherri Thomas said in the release.
RCMP said Thursday afternoon they have no updates on their investigation, as officers wait for the Office of the Fire Commissioner to complete its own probe at the scene. RCMP added they will confirm the identity of the person killed after the remains have been determined through an autopsy.
At an unrelated event Thursday, Premier Wab Kinew called Palson one “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,” acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean said.
“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 that 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,” acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy said.
Brandon police posted on social media that its members were “deeply saddened” to learn of Palson’s presumed death.
“In times like these, we stand united as one family in blue — when one of us falls, the loss is felt by all,” the Brandon Police Service said.
“Our hearts and prayers are with his family, his work family and the entire community. His dedication and service will never be forgotten.”
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.
» Winnipeg Free Press, with files from The Canadian Press