True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: October 2012
Great Apples In An Orchard of Inspiration
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
In my view, an apple orchard and an organization share similarities. One can expect that both will have some 'bad apples' and as is well known, bad apples are not worthwhile commodities.
But, I would not push the apple-person analogy any further. People are not apples. And, while one might toss some portion of an apple into the trash, it would be inexcusable to think of or to treat any person in like fashion. I have supervised hundreds of police officers and my life long doctrine has been that every police officer can and wants to contribute.
So to be clear, if one counts carefully, especially in the people pool of which I speak, one will detect a far greater content of RCMP employees that fall somewhere in the range, I would say, of good to very good to excellent. I have always been amazed by the kinds and variety of skills which police officers possess.
In the orchard of life and in the RCMP, there exists good seasons for good reasons. And what an exhilaratingly shift it is when a dangerous incident in policing explodes in success with no loss of life.
The story which follows is about great apples in an orchard of inspiration. In part, it is a great story about courage and bravery of two civilians and two RCMP members who foiled a robbery. But, most importantly, it's a great story because no one was killed. First the story then some comments.
It was December 14, 2004. Shortly before 3:00 pm the 'Toys R Us' store in Coquitlam BC was robbed. As the suspect fled the scene in his get-away car, Mr. Darryl Reynolds an employee of the store, followed in his own car and phoned in the suspect’s details.
When the robber realized that he was being followed, he abruptly stopped his car and fired a shot at Mr. Reynolds causing him to stop his pursuit. Mr. Kelly Thompson, another witness, took up the chase, called the RCMP on his cell phone and Mr Thompson continued to follow the suspect's car and gave police its direction of travel.
RCMP Reg.#50555, Constable Brenton Brady (photo below left) was the first member to encounter the robber as he attempted to enter onto the Trans Canada Highway. Constable Brady activated his cruiser's emergency equipment in the hope that the suspect would stop. Instead, the suspect increased his speed and a criminal pursuit ensued. Constable Brady was joined by a backup cruiser driven by Constable Reg.#47477, Eric Brown.
Following several attempts to get the suspect to stop, authorization was given to Constable Brown to ram the suspect's car and forcibly end the pursuit. After the suspect's car was rammed, the gunman fired a shot directly at Constable Brown hitting his windshield just inches above his head. Both police officers then took cover behind their cruisers. As the suspect reached for another gun the two officers shot and hit him in the throat and his shoulder.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a hospital where he recovered from his wounds.
In recognition of their bravery and professionalism, the quartet of two civilian witnesses and the two members; Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Thompson, Constable Brady and Constable Brown were each awarded the Commissioner's Commendation for Bravery. Bravo, well deserved!
And I'm about to tell you why.
From the details which are known, this is a classic case in policing which was handled properly and performed to the best of the constables ability. The recipe involved dangerous high speeds in a heavily populated urban area with a high probability of harm, injury or death.
These items are important and equally important is the idea which follows; which is, police officers can expect dangerous conditions of employment. Next, police officers can also expect that whatever actions are taken, their actions will be scrutinized by the public, the press but most importantly by the courts. Explaining one's actions to a court is the pivot around which police accountability in a democracy turns.
Two civilians assisted the RCMP. Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Thompson took risks with their lives and remained unharmed. They were essential witnesses for the prosecution. They provided Telecoms with accurate details about the suspect, about the description and direction of his car. They have to be given credit for fast thinking, keeping the RCMP informed and for keeping themselves safe.
Constable Brady and Constable Brown took over the chase. Rightfully so. The constables have the necessary emergency equipment and theypossess professional driving skills. The driving conditions at high speed are hazardous. They remained in contact with Telecoms.
An experienced Supervisor was on duty. Up to this point, no one was hurt -- this was important and the two constables knew it. Constable Brady and Constable Brown conferred with the Supervisor. The Supervisor was decisive. Decision decided. End the pursuit before anyone is hurt or killed. Instantly it was back to the two constables. They had to decide how to act and when.
Here, what is interesting is the role and input of the Supervisor. In the Supervisor's words, the constables' training and experience came to bear on the situation. They successfully ended the pursuit. The suspect was armed and dangerous. The suspect was shot and wounded. The two constables are safe. Apart from the suspect, no one else was harmed.
Once again, it's a great story that ended well. The 'Two + Two Team' deserves to be recognized for their bravery and for their professionalism.
The original notes for this story came to me from 'J' Div., Sgt. Larry Burden and I thank him.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
October 23, 2012
