Today, there was a public visitation for Cst. Fabrice Georges Gevaudan, Cst. Dave Joseph Ross, and Cst. Douglas James Larche at Moncton’s Wesleyan Celebration from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
The Canadian Press reports that 7,000 to 8,000 police officers from across the country are expected to attend the funeral at the Moncton Coliseum at 1 p.m. tomorrow (June 10), which will be preceded by a parade of RCMP and other law enforcement.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, issued a statement last week following the shootings:
“Moments like this remind us of the terrible dangers that police officers face in the line of duty and the horrific cost associated with a career devoted to serving and protecting our communities from all harm,” he wrote.
He asked for prayers “for the officers who died this week and for their families who grieve so deeply, and for the officers who remain in hospital with family at their bedside.”
Hiltz also asked people to “remember the entire RCMP family so shaken by these shootings,” the people of Moncton who have been traumatized, and “the young man who allegedly committed this terrible crime and his family as they struggle to cope too.” He asked for prayers for “all men and women in uniform whose life’s work is to serve and protect.”
All three officers are mourned by families that include wives and young children. Cst. Larche had three daughters, ages 4 ,8 and 9. Cst. Ross had a one and a half year old son and his wife is expecting another baby. Cst. Gevaudan has an eight-year-old stepdaughter.
Messages of condolences for the three members can be sent to: [email protected].
The RCMP Foundation has set up the Moncton Fallen RCMP Members Memorial Fund in their memory. This is the only website where donations will be accepted. Cheques can also be sent to the RCMP Foundation
203-2460 Lancaster Road, Ottawa, ON K1B 4S5. Cheques should be made out to The RCMP Foundation with Moncton Fallen RCMP Members Fund specified in the memo field.
