Jul 19 2006 EDITORIAL http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
The public image of police officers is they stick together through thick and thin. But it’s clearly obvious there’s a class system in place. In a troubling move, the committee that operates the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial in Ottawa has decided not to formally recognize Glen Evely, an auxiliary constable who died in the line of duty in Vernon in 2004. Evely’s name had been submitted by the RCMP as a tribute to his dedication to the force and the community. However, the memorial committee claims Evely shouldn’t be honoured because he was a volunteer and didn’t carry a gun. Those, quite frankly, are the lamest excuses possible. Yes Evely wasn’t a full-time officer, but he committed himself to the force, was trained and provided a essential resource to the organization. The reality is, that as a volunteer, he willingly placed his life at risk and paid the ultimate price. Evely has been added to the memorial lists provincially and for the RCMP, and the lack of respect coming from Ottawa is absolutely appalling. What also raises questions is the fact that the national memorial already includes the names of three auxiliary/reserve officers. Why is it that they were worthy of such a tribute, but Evely is not? Thousands of local residents and police officers — both professional and auxiliary — attended Evely’s full regimental funeral. There was a clear sense that the Evely family, the police force and the entire community, had experienced a tragic loss. We would urge all residents to contact the Canadian Peace Officers Memorial Association at 613-990-0191 and pressure them to do the right thing and honour a local hero.
The public image of police officers is they stick together through thick and thin. But it’s clearly obvious there’s a class system in place. In a troubling move, the committee that operates the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial in Ottawa has decided not to formally recognize Glen Evely, an auxiliary constable who died in the line of duty in Vernon in 2004. Evely’s name had been submitted by the RCMP as a tribute to his dedication to the force and the community. However, the memorial committee claims Evely shouldn’t be honoured because he was a volunteer and didn’t carry a gun. Those, quite frankly, are the lamest excuses possible. Yes Evely wasn’t a full-time officer, but he committed himself to the force, was trained and provided a essential resource to the organization. The reality is, that as a volunteer, he willingly placed his life at risk and paid the ultimate price. Evely has been added to the memorial lists provincially and for the RCMP, and the lack of respect coming from Ottawa is absolutely appalling. What also raises questions is the fact that the national memorial already includes the names of three auxiliary/reserve officers. Why is it that they were worthy of such a tribute, but Evely is not? Thousands of local residents and police officers — both professional and auxiliary — attended Evely’s full regimental funeral. There was a clear sense that the Evely family, the police force and the entire community, had experienced a tragic loss. We would urge all residents to contact the Canadian Peace Officers Memorial Association at 613-990-0191 and pressure them to do the right thing and honour a local hero.
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