On Sept. 22, 2023, a Ridge Meadows RCMP officer was killed in the line of duty.
Const. Rick O’Brien was one of several officers executing a search warrant at a residence in Coquitlam when there was an exchange of gunfire. Two other officers were injured in the incident, including a second officer who was shot, one who suffered non-firearm injuries, and the culprit was also injured.
Ambulances transported them to hospital, but O’Brien died of his injuries.
Ridge Meadows RCMP officer-in-charge Wendy Mehat told media it was a terrible day.
READ ALSO: Ridge Meadows Mountie killed, 2 other officers injured in Coquitlam incident
“Standing here and speaking about the impact of the on-duty death [of] Const. Rick O’Brien was the most difficult moment I’ve had in my career.”
On the evening of his death, a procession with O’Brien made its way across the Fraser Valley, through Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, with an escort of 70 police vehicles, to Abbotsford. First responders in the cities lined the roads to salute the fallen officer.
Pitt Meadows fire chief Stephan Drolet said his team was there to honour the fallen members.
“We’re all one big first responder family, so we are here to support our brothers and sisters with the RCMP,” he said.
O’Brien, 51, was a seven-year police officer, all with Ridge Meadows, and was known for his work with youth. He was a father of six, and known as a well-liked coach in Langley, where he was raising his family, with his wife Nicole. The Langley Rams junior football team, and Langley Rivermen Junior A hockey team were among the sports organizations that honoured him.
Across the country, police services and RCMP detachments expressed their condolences.
Outside of the detachment building in Maple Ridge, a memorial grew with dozens of flowers, candles, and notes being dropped off in memory of Const. O’Brien.
“The people of Maple Ridge will rally around the families and entire force as they face the difficult days and weeks ahead,” said Maple Ridge Mayor Dan Ruimy. “We share our humble gratitude and respect for Const. O’Brien and all the dedicated police and peace officers who make the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.”
“My heart breaks for the family and fellow officers,” said Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald. “Thank you to all the men and women who selflessly respond to the call and put themselves at risk for the safety of the community.”
Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered condolences in social media.
A funeral in Langley was a large, sombre event that drew a sea of red and blue uniforms to the Langley Events Centre arena on Oct. 4, as thousands of RCMP and municipal police officers gathered to pay tribute.
“This is a challenging moment, but this place is filled with a lot of love,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP Chaplain Greg Dalman. “Rick had worked his way into your hearts and lives, to leave a lasting impression.”
Before joining the RCMP, O’Brien was an education assistant, a mental health worker, and a youth worker. His choice to become an RCMP officer took place when he was in his 40s.
“He cherished all the positive interactions he had with youth,” said his colleague Cpl. Pete Westra.
He was remembered for his love of sports – especially the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Blue Jays, of sarcastic humour, and of Led Zeppelin.
Family friend Stephanie Porter read a message from his wife, Nicole Longacre-O’Brien.
“How do I ever imagine life without you, when our whole life was planned around being together and watching the kids grow up?”
READ ALSO: Family, first responders pay tribute to Const. Rick O’Brien
The suspect charged with first degree murder and attempted murder in the shootings is Nicholas Bellemare, who made an appearance by video in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court on Nov. 7. He is a 25-year-old Coquitlam resident.
He remains in custody, and will be back in court for his next appearance on Jan. 16, 2024.
The Ridge Meadows RCMP has created a memorial committee to consider how they can best honour Const. Rick O’Brien moving forward. Cst. O’Brien will also be honoured at the detachment’s annual awards night next year.
A gofundme.com account set up to benefit O’Brien’s family through the National Police Federation Benevolent Foundation raised $176,000.