People from across Canada gathered yesterday for a ceremony that very nearly had a local name on the program.
The sound of bagpipes rang out as hundreds gathered for the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’
Memorial Service.
This year, six people who died in the line of duty were remembered, three officers from Ontario, two from Quebec and a correctional officer from Edmonton.
What haunts me is that the Ontario number was very nearly four, and not three (which is tragic enough).
As the City of Belleville posted a message of support and solidarity yesterday on the one-week anniversary of the shooting at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, my thoughts remain with Constable Jeff Smith, his family, and colleagues with Belleville Police.
While his injuries were described as non-life-threatening, they were extensive, and his recovery will be long and difficult.
His family has asked for privacy, which is the least we can give them, but there is something we can do.
If you can, take a moment today and thank an emergency responder for the way they put their lives on the line for us. Their hearts are heavy, though their resolve is strong.
If you see one, pass along a smile and a wave or a word of thanks and support to a Belleville Police officer. They almost lost a fellow officer, a friend and (in a way) a brother, a stark reminder of the risk they carry along with the badge they wear each and every day.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
