Tributes have been pouring in from across the country for the three RCMP officers killed in Moncton this week.
A steady stream of people visited the Codiac RCMP detachment Friday, placing cards and flowers and expressing their gratitude and respect for the slain officers, as well as for the dozens of officers hailed as heroes.
“They did so much to protect everyone in Moncton. They put their lives in danger for us,” said Moncton resident Christina Carlin.
Some children visited RCMP headquarters with their preschool class.
“We have a few fathers that are in the RCMP and we’re very, very happy to say that they’re OK, but they were amazing and really helped us,” said preschool support worker Christine LeBlanc.
Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney also paid his respects in Moncton Friday afternoon.
“I want to be here for the families of the fallen, to show my support for the officers of the RCMP, and to thank the community of Moncton for their great courage,” he said.
Tributes are popping up on social media and flags are flying at half-mast in most Maritime towns and cities.
Mounties and police officers at detachments across the Maritimes are also being recognized for the work they do every day, as grateful citizens drop off flowers, cookies and cards.
“To get appreciation from the community for what we are doing, to get the support that they realize what we do is a very hard job and sometimes a difficult job is very, very appreciated,” said Staff Sgt. Dan Austin of West Hants RCMP.
Business owner Michelle Jodrey sent flowers to her local detachment Thursday.
“I thought that it would be really difficult to just get up and go to work as an RCMP officer that morning, so I thought, what could I do to just try and pick up the mood a little and show support and how thankful we are for everything that they do,” she said.
Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc said a book of condolences is available at Moncton City Hall for anyone wanting to send thoughts to the families of Const. Douglas James Larche, Const. Fabrice Georges Gevaudan and Const. Dave Ross.
“As a municipality, as a city, and as a community, we support these families and will do what we can,” said LeBlanc.
“I would like the people of Moncton to give a smile to every police officer that they see to give them a thumbs up, to go over and shake their hand and to find a way to thank them for what they have done for us.”
Messages of condolence can also be emailed to Condolences_Condoleances@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
