Canada paused June 10, 2014 to honor three men who served their country as RCMP officers.
I sat with some of our church staff to watch portions of the broadcast of the funeral service in Moncton, New Brunswick.
At that time I blogged, “It is sobering to think this could have happened in St Albert where I live – the safest city of its size in Canada.”
And now “it” has happened in St Albert.
Senseless Deaths
Const. David Wynn, 42, and Auxiliary Const. Derek Bond, 49, were investigating a report of a stolen vehicle inside the Apex Casino on Saturday January 17th when they were both shot by 34-year-old Shawn Rehn. Bond was released from hospital after being shot in the arm. Wynn never regained consciousness after being shot in the head; he passed away in hospital January 21st.
He leaves behind his wife Shelly and 3 sons, Matthew, Nathan, Alexander.
Const. Wynn joins…
…Const. Fabrice Gevaudan,
Const. David Ross,
Const. Doug Larche.
“Senseless” is the only word to describe their deaths.
All family men.
All sons of Canada.
All heroes in life.
St Albert Mourns
Once again our staff will pause and watch the broadcast of an RCMP constable’s funeral. This time, RCMP officers will be mustering in our church to be shuttled to the processional starting point.
One of North Pointe’s congregational members, Gary Lynn, of Connelly-McKinley, is the funeral director for Const. Wynn’s family.
I’ve lived in St Albert for a quarter century. We love our city and look forward to many more years of enjoyment in this thriving community.
Every week, my wife and I run 6km along the exact route of the funeral procession. Now lined with white ribbons, our future runs will take on a whole new meaning.
Regimental Funeral Procession
Const. Wynn is being given a regimental funeral. The service will include a procession, bugle calls and a traditional charger (rider-less horse). Its a tradition that dates back to 1873 when the force was created.
There will be eight casket bearers during the event. The casket will be draped with the Canadian flag and accoutrements that Const. Wynn would have worn such as his Stetson, what we call a felt hat and his Sam brown, ceremonial belt.
The streets of St Albert are an unforgettable stream of red serge.
What Now?
When the sun rises on Tuesday January 27th, it will usher in a new world for the Wynn family and for St Albert.
What now? What can be done for broken hearts?
Act with courage to honour the fallen.
Choose life.
Be hopeful.
Be gracious.
Be a goodfinder.
Pay a kindness forward.
Forgive those who have despitefully used or abused you.
Be colour blind.
Act justly and mercifully.
Make the role of peace officers a lot easier by your choices.
Be grateful.
God bless the families of the fallen.
God bless those who serve and protect.
God bless Canada.
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As I left church yesterday and drove along Hebert Road to meet my husband, I was so blessed by all the white ribbons along the roadside. My son asked about the ribbons, who put them all up, how long did it take, why were they there? It was a perfect opportunity to talk about honor, freedom, blessing, and community. As our family’s Tim Horton’s donate,support, and serve today in the background, I know there is a feeling of gratefulness and humility to be part of the community of St. Albert. So often we take for granted the peace and safety provided for us without realizing the sacrifice that is made daily.
That’s great that Tim’s is providing coffee and tea and snacks for the members. Its quite a day here at North Pointe as well and in St Albert and the Greater Edmonton area. 2,5000 RCMP expected fro Alberta alone. We’ve had RCMP, EPS, Fire Rescue, FBI and more here at NP.