MONCTON - Thousands of people gathered in Moncton on Sunday to run 3km to raise money for the families of the 3 RCMP officers, Const. Doug Larche, Const. Dave Ross and Const. Fabrice Gevaudan, who were killed in the line of duty.
Participants lined up at the start line but instead of powering through the 3km, they all stopped 100 metres into the race to shake hands with and thank the RCMP officers who lined the street near the Codiac RCMP detachment.
“The showing of support is incredible,” says Supt. Marlene Snowman, the officer in charge of the Codiac Regional RCMP detachment. “The visibility of red is incredible. I think what’s unbelievable is the fact that these people were supposed to be walking or running and as they’ve rounded the corner, they’re stopping to shake [the hand of] or hug every member that’s standing along the road in Red Surge.”
There were participants of all ages all wearing red to show solidarity with the RCMP. As a tribute to dog handler, Const. Ross, many participants tied red ribbons around the necks of their dogs and brought them to the race as well.
After the runners passed them, the RCMP began to dismantle the memorial which took about an hour. The families of the three officers requested that any of the salvageable flowers be dropped off at cemeteries, hospitals and nursing homes around Moncton. Other items will be given to the families of the three fallen officers.
Once again the community of Moncton showed an overwhelming amount of support and gratitude for the RCMP.
