Justin Knackstedt - Conservation Officer - Saskatchewan

Conservation Officer Justin Knackstedt, age 23, of Watson, Saskatchewan, died on May 31, 2013, on a highway south of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Justin was a member of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and Resource Management. He had three years of service.

After 7:00 p.m., Justin was on duty as a Conservation Officer but had voluntarily stopped to aid RCMP officers in directing traffic at the scene of an accident. At the same time, RCMP constables received reports of a car being driven erratically in the area. A constable spotted the suspect vehicle stopped in the backup from the earlier accident and made contact with the driver.

As the constable spoke with the driver the man suddenly drove into the area that was closed to traffic and struck Justin Knackstedt, killing him. The driver continued to flee until crashing into a ditch.

Blaine Thomas Taypotat, age 35, is charged with dangerous driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death, impaired driving causing death, flight from a peace officer causing death and failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking given by a peace officer.

Justin graduated from the Saskatchewan Institute of Science and Technology. After graduating, he worked in Cypress Hills Provincial Park and successfully requested a transfer to the Saskatoon region last month.

Justin is described by his comrades as a valuable member of their team. His co-workers are devastated by his death.

Friends describe Justin as energetic, extremely hard working and helpful to others.

Raphael, Archangel,
pray for Justin

Still others describe him as a good kid.

Justin is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents and two siblings. 

Thank you for your service to the public, Justin. 

Pray for all who die while coming to the aid of others. They are the unsung heroes.  Amen.

God save us from the drunk and doped up drivers. They are killing us, Father. Amen.

Pray that Justin is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.