Officers killed in the line of duty were honoured Sunday in a special memorial service.

Members of various police forces in Alberta took part in the 14th annual Provincial Police and Peace Officer Memorial held at the legislature Sunday afternoon.

The memorial is a chance for officers and Albertans to pay tribute to those killed in the line of duty.

“Any peace officer or police officer does put him or herself potentially in harm’s way each and every day,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

Denis says the memorial honours the lives of fallen officers but also serves a reminder for Albertans.

“We should never take our safety for granted,” Denis said.

Names of fallen officers’ were read aloud at the ceremony and wreaths were laid at the base of a monument called “The Pillar of Strength” – which serves as a permanent symbol of Alberta’s commitment to its police and peace officers.

This year peace officer Rod Lazenby became the 97th officer to be killed in the line of duty in Alberta since 1876.

Lt.-Gov Donald Ethell said whether it’s the addition of one name or many – the reading is always difficult.

“It’s always difficult to think during the service that ‘there goes another one,’” Ethell said.

“It’s always hard even if you add one name or ten names. It’s very traumatic. (For) anyone who has worn a uniform or even civilians – it’s difficult.”

Lazenby, 62, was a retired Mountie turned peace officer.

He died in August after he was allegedly beaten while investigating a dog-related complaint a rural property west of Calgary.

Trevor Kloschinsky, 46, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to Lazenby’s death.

Denis said once the criminal investigation and charge has been completed, an inquiry will take place looking further into the situations surrounding Lazenby’s death.

The inquiry is automatic – and happens every time there is a fatality involving a police or peace officer in the province.

After Lazenby’s death, a petition had circulated calling for peace officers in the province to be armed.

Denis said no changes are expected to be made until after an inquiry is completed but the petition will be considered.

“Everything is on the table,” Denis said.

“We are always looking for ways that we can improve the safety of our law enforcement officials.”

The Provincial Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day first began in 1999.