Despite our closeness to the capital, St. Albert does not see a lot of violent crime. A year ago, that sense of security was shattered when Const. David Wynn was senselessly killed in the line of duty while responding to what should have been a routine call.
The cowardly act of his murderer left an emptiness in Wynn’s family and the community. A year later, his family, both at home and at work, is still coming to terms with his loss. The community as a whole, whether it was through his work with the schools and the DARE program or his friendly demeanour on the street, also misses his presence.
While the city and the RCMP chose not to commemorate the anniversary of Wynn’s death – at the request of his family – it, in conjunction with St. Albert residents, is making an effort to ensure Wynn’s memory is never forgotten.
Mayor Nolan Crouse told the Gazette last week that the committee is in the process of brainstorming ideas to determine a fitting legacy for Wynn. There is also talk of more money being available from other organizations to support the committee’s final recommendation.
While nothing has been finalized, a few ideas have been floated. From naming a building after Wynn, to a statue, to a memorial fund, there is no shortage of possibilities.
But, as the RCMP ask members of the public to avoid sending flowers or gift baskets and instead remember Wynn with contributions to established RCMP support funds, the Wynn memorial committee should think in the same vein.
While statues and buildings are a nice touch, they have very little impact on the community as a whole. Perhaps the best way to honour a man who dedicated his life to the helping and protecting of others is not with a superfluous tribute that only serves to remind us of his name and requires continuous upkeep. Instead, a lasting legacy that continues his life’s tradition and puts money toward the maintenance of society instead of infrastructure, should be considered.
The suggestion of a scholarship or some other type of legacy fund to support students going into law enforcement, drug awareness and rehabilitation, or families suffering the loss of a loved one are more suitable ideas.
Those types of ideas create an ongoing legacy that year-after-year will contribute to the benefit of the community and its citizens, much the same as Wynn did in life.
Inspiring and helping more youth to serve and protect as Wynn did; continuing his work educating children to the dangers of illicit drugs; or helping a family cope with a tragic loss are legacies that will immortalize his life and not just his name.
We hope before the next sombre anniversary of the shooting the Wynn memorial – whatever form it might take – is in place to help us forever remember the life of a man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his community.
We also hope the RCMP’s investigation into the circumstances of the shooting will help inform any necessarily procedural or training changes that could protect officers in the field.
