Police chief’s remains believed to be found in fire aftermath

The remains of Manitoba First Nations Police Service Chief Doug Palson are believed to have been found after a fire. (MFNPS/Facebook)

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

MFNPS said it believes their chief, 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 the residence of Palson.

Once the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered human remains inside the home. MFNPS believes the remains belonged to Palson.

“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,” a release from Sherri Thomas, Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission’s chair, said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Palson’s family as they deal with this tragedy.”

MFNPS is working with Manitoba RCMP and the Office of the Fire Commissioner on the investigation.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the assembly of First Nations are offering their condolences.

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.