By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 11, 2008
For those of who never knew Glen Evely, it may be easy to overlook the fact that it will be four years ago tomorrow that he died. But for his wife, children, friends and colleagues, it must still seem like yesterday. It was on Nov. 13, 2004 that Auxiliary Const. Glen Evely and Frank Grenier — a career officer with the RCMP — were out on a routine patrol when the cruiser they were in was struck by a stolen truck. Evely died at the scene, while Grenier was seriously injured. Just days later, thousands of people lined the streets of Vernon as upwards of 700 police officers and other emergency personnel attended Evely's full regimental funeral, second only in significance to a state funeral.For those full-time, career officers, there was no distinction between them and Evely, who as an auxiliary constable was a volunteer. He was a valued part of the police force. "He was a man who made a difference to the RCMP, to the City of Vernon and to countless individuals who didn't know his name," said Guliano Zaccerdelli, then-RCMP commissioner, during the funeral.
But while most members of the RCMP, and other police forces across the country, feel that way, there is one unfortunate holdout — the committee that oversees the national Police and Peace Officers Memorial in Ottawa.That organization — which consists of the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial Association, the Canadian Police Association and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police — has constantly refused to acknowledge Evely and other auxiliary officers who die in the line of duty. Their explanation is that the memorial is only for full-time officers.
And I, quite frankly, can't think of a more lame excuse, and I get the impression that the committee is more interested in trying to defend some antiquated policy than doing what is right. Yes Evely was a volunteer, but for that reason alone, he deserves our respect and admiration. He didn't have to be in that police cruiser that night. He could have been home with his family and preparing for another day at the Ministry of Forests office, his actual full-time job. But he was there out of a sense of commitment to the community. And from any career officers I have spoken to, there is no difference between them and auxiliary members. They are considered full partners in a team serving the needs of the public. The memorial committee is wrong and it's time that it admits so. But that will continue to take some pressure from those who truly care.
If you believe an injustice has been done, take the time to contact the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Association at 613- 990-0191, the Canadian Police Association at 613-231-4168 or cpa-acp@cpa-acp.ca and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police at 613-233-1106 or cacp@cacp.ca. Unfortunately, the Conservative government has also washed its hands of the entire situation despite Evely and other auxiliary officers bolstering the resources of our national police force.
Because of that, it's time that our MP, Colin Mayes, got serious about the matter and put pressure on his government to get directly involved. Mayes can be reached at 260-5020. And another avenue to make your voice heard is by going to http://surreyauxiliary.org/petition and joining the 15,656 other people who have signed their names, demanding full national recognition for Evely and other auxiliary officers who died while on duty.
It should also be noted that while our focus is on paying tribute to Glen Evely, we can't forget about the sacrifice paid by Frank Grenier.His injuries in the accident were substantial and he was not able to return to the career that he loved. Grenier is frequently seen walking around town and he is someone that should always be kept in our thoughts and prayers.
For those of who never knew Glen Evely, it may be easy to overlook the fact that it will be four years ago tomorrow that he died. But for his wife, children, friends and colleagues, it must still seem like yesterday. It was on Nov. 13, 2004 that Auxiliary Const. Glen Evely and Frank Grenier — a career officer with the RCMP — were out on a routine patrol when the cruiser they were in was struck by a stolen truck. Evely died at the scene, while Grenier was seriously injured. Just days later, thousands of people lined the streets of Vernon as upwards of 700 police officers and other emergency personnel attended Evely's full regimental funeral, second only in significance to a state funeral.For those full-time, career officers, there was no distinction between them and Evely, who as an auxiliary constable was a volunteer. He was a valued part of the police force. "He was a man who made a difference to the RCMP, to the City of Vernon and to countless individuals who didn't know his name," said Guliano Zaccerdelli, then-RCMP commissioner, during the funeral.
But while most members of the RCMP, and other police forces across the country, feel that way, there is one unfortunate holdout — the committee that oversees the national Police and Peace Officers Memorial in Ottawa.That organization — which consists of the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial Association, the Canadian Police Association and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police — has constantly refused to acknowledge Evely and other auxiliary officers who die in the line of duty. Their explanation is that the memorial is only for full-time officers.
And I, quite frankly, can't think of a more lame excuse, and I get the impression that the committee is more interested in trying to defend some antiquated policy than doing what is right. Yes Evely was a volunteer, but for that reason alone, he deserves our respect and admiration. He didn't have to be in that police cruiser that night. He could have been home with his family and preparing for another day at the Ministry of Forests office, his actual full-time job. But he was there out of a sense of commitment to the community. And from any career officers I have spoken to, there is no difference between them and auxiliary members. They are considered full partners in a team serving the needs of the public. The memorial committee is wrong and it's time that it admits so. But that will continue to take some pressure from those who truly care.
If you believe an injustice has been done, take the time to contact the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Association at 613- 990-0191, the Canadian Police Association at 613-231-4168 or cpa-acp@cpa-acp.ca and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police at 613-233-1106 or cacp@cacp.ca. Unfortunately, the Conservative government has also washed its hands of the entire situation despite Evely and other auxiliary officers bolstering the resources of our national police force.
Because of that, it's time that our MP, Colin Mayes, got serious about the matter and put pressure on his government to get directly involved. Mayes can be reached at 260-5020. And another avenue to make your voice heard is by going to http://surreyauxiliary.org/petition and joining the 15,656 other people who have signed their names, demanding full national recognition for Evely and other auxiliary officers who died while on duty.
It should also be noted that while our focus is on paying tribute to Glen Evely, we can't forget about the sacrifice paid by Frank Grenier.His injuries in the accident were substantial and he was not able to return to the career that he loved. Grenier is frequently seen walking around town and he is someone that should always be kept in our thoughts and prayers.
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