I wasn’t in Moncton on June 4 last year. I was in Montreal in my former job with the RCMP when I heard the news that three of our members had lost their lives and two others had been injured. The first feeling I had was probably the same one you did, a sense of disbelief. These types of horrific crimes rarely happen in Canada, let alone New Brunswick. As I followed what was happening, I joined the country in breathin…g a sigh of relief when the shooter was captured without anyone else being hurt. I was proud of the men and women of Codiac and other RCMP members and law enforcement personnel who came together to restore peace to Moncton.
Then there was something else that I’d never seen in my 25 years as a police officer. A flood of community support that extended far beyond Moncton’s borders. There were the obvious showings of support like the community memorial of flowers, cards and balloons in front of the Codiac detachment and the outpouring of support for the families of Cst. Larche, Cst. Ross and Cst. Gevaudan. There were also the smaller, spontaneous gestures, like strangers coming up to police officers and thanking them for the job they do each day. In September when I moved into my role as the Officer-in-Charge of the Codiac RCMP, I was struck, that even several months later, that community support had not wavered. People still asked how we were doing and were eager to help us solve crimes to keep our community safe. Today, that support is still strong and I see it each and every day.
A year has passed and we shouldn’t and won’t forget what happened. The families of Doug, Dave and Fabrice have been forever changed, we all have, but it is important for you to know that the pain is eased knowing you, the citizens of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview, are there for us. The resolve of our members, municipal employees, commissionaires, volunteers and auxiliary constables at Codiac to provide the best possible policing service has never wavered. I commend them for that and can think of no greater homage to Csts. Larche, Ross and Gevaudan than for all of us to carry on their great work. On the evening of June 4, we’ll gather as a police force, as a family and as a community at the RCMP Musical Ride to pay tribute to our three heroes. It’s what a caring community does; look after each other and care for each other. We’re blessed to live in such a community. For all you have done, on behalf of the members of the Codiac Regional RCMP, thank you.
Superintendent Paul Beauchesne
Officer-in-Charge – Codiac Regional RCMP
