The RCMP has confirmed that a police officer with West Shore RCMP was killed in a crash Tuesday morning in Langford on Vancouver Island.
Canada’s public safety minister Ralph Goodale relayed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett.
“The death of a police officer is a stark reminder of the sacrifices and bravery of our police women and men who put themselves in harm’s way each and every day to keep our communities safe,” Goodale said in a statement Tuesday.
In the statement, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson extended the department’s full support to Beckett’s family and to personnel of the force as they grieve the tragic loss of their colleague.
Solicitor General Mike Morris announced in the B.C. legislature that a female member of the RCMP was killed.
“The member was on duty at a traffic stop and was unfortunately struck and killed on duty,” he said.
“She’s a mother of two young children and my condolences go out to her, her family, her workmates in the RCMP and the police in general.”
The crash happened at Goldstream Avenue and Peatt Road at around 3:30 a.m between a police cruiser and a pickup truck.
There is no word on charges, and the incident remains under investigation. Police say they will not release the name of the officer at this time.
BC Ambulance said two people were transported to hospital in serious condition.
The intersection is expected to be closed until at least 2 p.m. and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Esquimalt-Royal Roads MLA Maurine Karagianis, her voice breaking with emotion, also expressed her condolences in the legislature on behalf of the NDP.
“Our thoughts are with her family and with the other officers at the scene and the detachment during this very difficult time,” she said. “I think we all know and the appreciate the dangerous nature of this work and the dedication and courage of the men and women who provide protective services in our communities.”
Meantime, police departments across B.C. took to social media to offer messages of support to friends and family of the officer. Vancouver police chief police Adam Palmer wrote on Twitter that the VPD offers its “deepest condolences” to its brothers and sisters at the West Shore RCMP Department.
Saanich police tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to @WestshoreRCMP Thank you 4 serving your community so well … Especially during this time.”
Oak Bay police tweeted: “Our thoughts are with you and the family of the member who died today.”
