Regina’s Pepsi Park BBQ Marks 18 Years of Tamra Keepness’ Disappearance | PKBNEWS

Members of the Regina Police Service (RPS) took turns flipping burgers for the annual Tamra Keepness BBQ. People of all ages turned out for the event held at Regina’s Pepsi Park, hosted by the PRS and Regina/Treaty Indian Services (RT/SIS).

The barbecue is important for the police to participate with community organizations in raising awareness of Tamra’s disappearance. The RPS Deputy Chief recalls the day Tamra disappeared while working as a Sergeant in the RPS Property Crimes Unit at the time.

“Almost the entire organization has been tasked with doing work in regards to the investigation,” said Dean Rae, deputy chief of the RPS.

“We have been very busy for the first few months seeking out many types of investigative advice (and) information that has been passed to us.”

The event is held annually on July 5 to commemorate the day Tamra disappeared from her home on the 1800 block of Ottawa Street. This year marks 18 years since his death.

Even though it’s been many years, police continue to look at tips with caution.

“Every year we end up with a number of tips,” Rae said. “I know we had a tip that led us to the United States and we followed up on that. We are still hoping to get this information which will give us a lead on which we can follow and hopefully locate Tamra.

The annual barbecue is an occasion where RPS and RT/SIS hope that someone will one day show up to share information about Tamra.

“Today is a great day to commemorate not just the MMIWG2S people issue, but the community gathering issue, the importance of education (and safety),” said Erica Beaudin, general manager of RT/SIS.

“What (the family) has told me over the years is that having this barbecue (reassured them) that they are not alone in this and that there are other people who miss (Tamra) and wonder where she is.”

The RPS is offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the whereabouts of Keepness. Anyone with information — no matter how small — is urged to contact RPS at (306) 777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.