True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: March, 2024
Reg.#31162, Corporal Derek John Flanagan
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
Life is uncertain. Every day is filled with a wide range of events which may have an impact on one's future, and on one’s life. Police officers all too often realize the everyday dangers of working on the street. The short story which follows is about Corporal Derek John Flanagan -- a well known and highly respected member of the RCMP who lost his life under unexpected circumstances while working on an international drug case in Thailand.
Derek Flanagan’s life began with hope, and the desire to make Canada a safer place. He was born in Portsmouth, England and his family immigrated to Canada when he was a boy. After schooling in Nova Scotia, he joined the RCMP in 1974. He undertook Basic Recruit Training in Regina. From the outset, he was reputed to be an inspirational leader in his Troop, and it became evident to senior Officers that Flanagan could be relied upon to work honestly and independently and with a minimum of supervision. His future in the policing profession was bright, and it was no secret that he was open and willing to accept transfers with the purpose to broaden and maximize his policing experiences.
After leaving ‘Depot’, Flanagan was first transferred to Richmond Detachment on BC's Lower Mainland. In 1982, he was transferred to Pemberton Detachment, and only two years later, he was transferred to the Vancouver Drug Squad. It's what he wanted. The transfer brought on greater responsibility. Here, over the years, he was very aware of the dangerous conditions, and the hazards under which police drug officers work; confronting violent offenders, long and tedious hours of surveillance, few and uncertain breaks for rest or meals, and the constant possibility of infectious diseases from needles or drug users.
In 1989, the Vancouver Drug Section entered into an international drug operation with the Royal Thai Police. Corporal Flanagan was chosen to play a vital role in the investigation. The plan involved Corporal Flanagan to work undercover in Thailand on the joint international drug investigation. On February 20th, 1989, Flanagan was standing on the back of a truck at Chang Mia in the company of drug operatives. He was convincing in his role. He traded a flash roll for heroin with the suspect when all of a sudden, the truck driver became suspicious and started driving away. The truck jerked. One suspect on the back of the truck attempted to recover the heroin, and Flanagan became embroiled in a struggle which ensued. Corporal Flanagan fell from the moving truck. He received serious head injuries in the fall. Later, he died in hospital. Corporal Flanagan was 36 years of age. Subsequently, 6 suspects were arrested, including one Canadian and 2 1⁄2 kilos of heroin were seized.
On March 14th, 2024, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan journalist Jay-D Haughton wrote a newspaper article entitled; “I’m speechless:” MJPS Constable travels overseas to honour father who died in the line of duty which recounted a Memorial Service which was held for Corporal Flanagan on February 20, 2024, at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Chiang Mai. That particular day marked the 35th anniversary of Corporal Flanagan’s death. As it turned out, Corporal Flanagan's son Chris Flanagan is employed as a police officer with the Moose Jaw Police Service, and the RCMP paid the travel expenses for Constable Flanagan to attend his father's Memorial Service. (see photo)
During the Memorial Service, a tree was planted in front of the Royal Thai Police Headquarters in memory of Corporal Flanagan. A commemorative plaque for his father was also created and will remain standing next to the tree. (see photo)
As a police organization, the RCMP can be justly proud of having Corporal Dereck Flanagan within its ranks. He displayed upmost courage under the most dangerous of circumstances, and his role was both professional and vital for the success of the drug operation. He is an inspiration for other police officers who follow him today.
Flanagan Crescent, ‘Depot’ Division was named in honour of Corporal Derek John Flanagan. He was also placed on the RCMP Honour Roll#186. Corporal Flanagan was cremated. His ashes are held by his family.
I am appreciative to Toronto RCMP Veteran Jack O'Reilly for providing the photographs which were used in this piece.
Haughton, Jay-D. (2024). “I’m speechless:” MJPS Constable travels overseas to honour father who died in the line of duty. Moose Jaw. Saskatchewan.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
March 23, 2024
