RM OF PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MAN. 鈥� The chief of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service is believed to have died after an early morning house fire.
RCMP say they were called early Wednesday to a residence in the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie that was confirmed as belonging to Chief Doug Palson.
They say investigators found human remains in the home and that the identity of the deceased has yet to be confirmed.
A statement on the police service's website says that although the investigation is ongoing, it's believed Palson was the one who died.
The Manitoba First Nations Police Service serves 10 communities and is governed by the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission.
Commission chair Sherri Thomas says in the statement that Palson was a "passionate leader" who loved the police service.
"On behalf of the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission, I would like to express our heartfelt sadness for the loss of Chief Palson to his family, friends and colleagues," Thomas said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2025.
The Canadian Press
