As you may be aware from the news, our colleagues in Nova Scotia have faced a terrible and tragic active shooter situation.
While I am relieved that there is no further danger to the community, I am devastated to confirm that one of our colleagues has been killed in the line of duty today.
Constable Heidi Stevenson, regimental number 45161, lost her life protecting the community. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and co-workers.
Another of our members is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries and we all hope for a full and speedy recovery.
We are in close contact with Commanding Officer Lee Bergerman through Deputy Commissioner Brian Brennan, and have asked her to offer condolences on behalf of all of us.
These first hours in the wake of an incident are a critical time in an investigation. Right now, there is a great deal of information circulating in the news and on social media, some of it speculation and not all of it accurate. An extensive investigation is underway, and it will provide more answers in the coming hours and days.
Thank you to all of those who bravely responded to intervene and those who stepped up to help, and my thoughts are with the loved ones of our fallen, our RCMP employees and families, and the community of Portapique.
To show our respect and honour our fallen colleague, flags will be flown at half mast until sunset on the day of her funeral or memorial, and employees are encouraged to wear the Mourning Ribbon on the left lapel or left pocket flap on a uniform, closest to the heart. While this news is still very raw, let us all find some comfort in the good memories we have of our colleague – the incredible person she was and all that she gave to her community and those around her.
In times like these, it is more important than ever to support each other. There are professional, health and support services available to connect you to what you need.
Please stay vigilant, stay safe, and support each other.
Brenda Lucki
Commissioner
