One year ago today, residents of Fredericton experienced an unthinkable tragedy. (Brad Perry)
A sad day in the province’s capital Saturday, commemorating one year since a shooting that killed four people.
On August 10th, 2018, Constables Sara Burns and Robb Costello responded to a call on Fredericton’s north side where they were shot and killed.
Two civilians, Donnie Robichaud and Bobbie Lee Wright, were also killed.
Deputy Chief of the Fredericton Police Force Martin Gaudet says it’s been a difficult year for everyone involved.
“We lost colleagues, we lost officers under our command, but it pales in comparison to families who buried their loved ones, the children who buried their parents, or the parents who buried their children. No parent should have to bury their child, that’s not what the cycle of life is supposed to be,” he said.
Despite the loss, each day has been a step toward getting better.
“We know that there are still challenges ahead, and there will undoubtedly be more hard times, but through those, we will persevere, knowing that we work in a community of people who care,” Gaudet said. pic.twitter.com/t6aNUJmavp
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 10, 2019
“We have struggled but we continue to gain strength,” he said. “We were shaken but we won’t let this break us.”
Gaudet says during the past year, some days were harder than others.
“Sometimes you see Robb or Sara’s regimental number on a file, or we’ll see a video or something that reminds us, acutely reminds us, but it is what it is. It’s been difficult, and we move forward one day at a time.”
Gaudet says despite the tragedy, the event brought the community together, and they provided so much support.
“The community has come closer unlike we could have ever imagined. the acts of kindness that we’ve observed and received, and the shoulders to cry on and the hugs and the handshakes have been absolutely incredible this last year. Although a difficult year, it has brought the community that much tighter,” he said.
Gaudet says he still remembers the “chaos” of that day, and the following weeks.
“After that it became a blur. We worked for the next 18 days or so—senior management with the other police services who came to help out, and the officers—planning the funeral and getting ready, and trying to make sense of it, and it was difficult,” he said.
He says the police family spent the day Saturday in reflection to remember their friends, and celebrate their lives.
“As a department, we are moving forward and hopeful for the future. We will continue to serve this city that we love to the best of our ability.”
Care and Compassion
As the city continues to grieve, others are trying to find the light in the darkness.
Mayor Mike O’Brien says the community of Fredericton has become more caring and compassionate than ever after last year’s tragedy.
“We’re no different than any small city in Canada. This is a caring country, we look after each other. That’s what’s happened here. I relate it even to the extraordinary compassion that the community was showing this fall and winter over the homelessness situation in Fredericton,” he said.
O’Brien says people wanted that issue addressed more than ever before. He says that care for other people is a sign of maturity for Fredericton.
Mayor O’Brien describes the shooting as one of the darkest chapters for be city. But he says the community came together to rally behind those impacted. pic.twitter.com/NVxsQnJGFj
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 10, 2019
He notes the mood around Fredericton was one of reverence and reflection yesterday, describing the shooting as one of the darkest chapters for be city.
He says as time goes on and citizens heal, it’s crucial that the fallen are not forgotten.
“Time will heal, we’ll heal through this together. We pledge as a community that love and peace will always radiate, but the key is as the attention fades over the years, that the memory of the four individuals that fell never fades,” he said.
O’Brien says if any good is to come out of last year’s shooting, it’s the way the community rallied around those hurting, and created space to help each other heal.
“That healing event last year of the Hands and Hearts across the bridge, where thousands came out. We’re human beings, we’re public people, we have to be with people, and nobody knew where to turn. The community members created that event on a Facebook page, and thousands came out,” he said.
“If there’s any legacy that can come out of something as tragic as that, it’s that the community has become even stronger.”
