Public safety staff, officials, friends and family gathered at the West Shore RCMP for the unveiling of a Wall of Honour inside the foyer of the local detachment in memory of fallen West Shore RCMP officers.
Today is also the two year anniversary of the death of West Shore RCMP officer Const. Sarah Beckett. Beckett’s husband and two sons were also in attendance.
2 years ago today, April 5th, 2016, @WestshoreRCMP not only lost a great friend but a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. Cst. Sarah Beckett Reg# 51939. You are missed, Sarah. pic.twitter.com/1LWrpedRG1
— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) April 5, 2018
Const. Matthew Baker spoke for the memorial and unveiling, he thanked the community for their contributions to the wall and expressed gratitude to the community on behalf of Beckett’s husband.
“Your outpouring of support today and of course every day is touching and a firm reminder as to why all of us put on the uniform,” Baker said. “Brad’s family also wishes to thank the community for all the support over the last several years, everything from teddy bears, blankets, cards of supports, food, whatever they’ve needed the community has provided, it is a true testament to just how big the hearts are of people in the West Shore.”
Baker was holding back tears when he talked about Beckett and he hopes she is remembered for being a wonderful mother and person above all.
Beckett’s name and photograph are in the center of the glass plaque and if there are officers from the West Shore that lose their lives in the line of duty their names will be added to the list.
Langford fire Chief Chris Aubrey fondly remembered Beckett as having a great sense of humor, and a very passionate person.
“A death to police officer, firefighter or a paramedic reverberates through the whole community,” Aubrey said. “So to be able to come here today and to be able to see her honoured on the wall, I’m so pleased to be able to see that she will never be forgotten.”
The foyer will remain open for the remainder of the day and during regular business hours for members of the public who may wish to view the wall and pay their respects.
The wall serves as a memorial to Beckett and and also honours fallen officers across the country.
RELATED: West Shore RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett to be honoured on anniversary of her death
Beckett was killed after her police cruiser was broadsided by a pickup truck in the Goldstream Avenue and Peatt Road intersection in Langford during the early morning hours of April 5, 2016.