Over the past 17 years working in various communities in Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, I have had the privilege of meeting many members of our nation’s police force.
All these men and women have had one thing in common, a desire to serve the community in which they work and offer them protection – whether that means from criminal activity, social ills or simply ensuring they find their way home safe during inclement weather.
While some towns only have officers for a short time, these brave men and women make an effort to become entrenched in the community. Aside from simply patrolling the streets, their efforts in schools and other community policing initiatives help build relationships and foster safer neighbourhoods for all of us.
The RCMP also has very strong relationships within its own ranks. It does not take long to see that this is a nationwide community of brothers and sisters who feel deeply for one another – whether they have met or not.
So when tragedy strikes, such as the shooting of an RCMP officer and auxiliary constable here in St. Albert, or the ones that occurred in Mayerthorpe, or Moncton, N.B., it hits hard across many communities.
Here in St. Albert, the shooting of Const. David Matthew Wynn, whose survival remains in question, and auxiliary Const. Derek Bond, brings pain to many communities.
St. Albert as a whole will be reeling from shock that such a senseless act of violence could occur within the borders of this small city. Many will question the safety they were so accustomed to.
The elementary school where Wynn served as a resource officer will also deal with the tragedy in its own way, helping young minds come to terms with the attack on a person who gave his time so generously to help point them on a good path.
Officers across the country will also be offering their support to the detachment here in the city and, of course, Wynn’s family.
But it is the family who we must think of the most at this time. There is no question police work comes with risks and every day officers put their lives on the line – sometimes in seemingly routine situations. Wynn’s wife and children dealt with that risk day in and day out and are now dealing with their worst fear. It is impossible to imagine the pain they are faced with but as a community we must offer them our support, as they gave of their husband and father to support us.
Over the coming days and weeks there will be an outpouring of well wishes, donations and financial support offered to the families of the officers. Whether it is a kind word, or giving of time, money or in some other way, we can all do our part to help. This will be a hard time for all the communities affected by this attack on our safety, but together as a community we can begin to heal.
We can also take the time to thank the many RCMP officers in our community for giving so much and often getting little thanks in return.
Chris Puglia is the assistant editor of the St. Albert Gazette.
