The Ridge Meadows RCMP detachment welcomed the Canadian Police Memorial Ride to Remember on Sept. 25, as the group started their journey to Victoria.
On Sept. 29, the Ride will arrive in Victoria, where Const. Rick O'Brien's name will be added to the BC Law Enforcement Memorial.
O'Brien was a member of the Ridge Meadows RCMP who was fatally shot while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam, during a drug investigation. The father of six was killed on Sept. 22 of 2023.
The Ride to Remember began as a way to honour Canadian police officers who "have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community" and to ensure the magnitude of their sacrifice is never forgotten. On Sept. 24, 1998, the Government of Canada officially proclaimed the last Sunday of September each year as Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day.
A memorial service is schedule for Sunday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. at the BC Legislature in Victoria, at The Bastion in the Garden of Honour.
O'Brien's name will be added to the Roll of Honour, as one of 132 law enforcement officers who died serving the citizens of B.C.
On Sept. 20, the Ridge Meadows RCMP held a private ceremony to unveil a cenotaph and Wall of Honour to commemorate O'Brien's legacy.
Rick, we love you, we miss you, we honour you, and we will never forget you, " said Ridge Meadows RCMP Officer-in-Charge Superintendent Wendy Mehat in a speech during the ceremony. "Rest in peace – from all your fellow officers, the team at Ridge Meadows, and our partners across the Lower Mainland."
The ride went from Burnaby to Chilliwack on Thursday, from Chilliwack to Tsawwassen on Friday, and to the legislature on Saturday.
