RCMP'S role more than just fighting crime

Outpouring of support after tragedy shows profound community links

Brock Myrol was just 21 days into his career as an RCMP constable. He was supposed to be handing out ice cream the next day at a community function in Mayerthorpe, Alta.

This, too, is what being an RCMP officer is about.

His mother Colleen recalls that Brock used to say, “I want to be part of something bigger than myself.”

Being in the RCMP was being part of something bigger for Myrol, but so was being part of the small town where he was initially assigned 16 years ago.

Just 21 days into his career on March 3, 2005, the 29-year-old, who was born in Outlook, Sask. — along with fellow RCMP constables Anthony Gordon, Leo Johnston and Peter Schiemann — was shot and killed by James Roszko while attempting to executive a search warrant for stolen property and a marijuana-growing operation.

For Colleen, last weekend's tragic death of 26-year-old RCMP Const. Shelby Patton resonates in a way it won't for most of us. Her heart and condolences go out to the Patton family, knowing the struggles they will face.

“One of the triggers is when I see flags,” said Colleen, who was born and raised in Outlook but moved to Red Deer when Brock was eight. “You never get over seeing your son's coffin draped in the (Canadian) flag.”

But there are many others now grieving after last weekend's tragedy.

For some, it's about another young man gone far too soon. For others, it's a reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who serve and protect.

But for the people of Wolseley and Indian Head, where Patton was assigned — for people in towns and smaller cities with RCMP detachments across this nation

— the sincere outpouring is about their feelings toward these vital members of their communities.

“(RCMP officers) become part of the community and their families become part of the community,” Colleen Myrol said. “When you get into bigger centres, it's different ...

“There's something incredibly comforting when you drive between Red Deer and Outlook and you see that RCMP detachment sign, knowing there's someone there to help you if you need it.”

However imperfect the RCMP may be, it needs to be acknowledged that their role has always gone beyond responding to crime.

People in these communities get this. It's why Outlook and its RCMP detachment host an annual memorial fundraising golf tournament to honour Brock Myrol. It's why the people of Mayerthorpe poured their hearts into building a memorial park for the slain officers.

It's also why people of Indian Head and Wolseley wore red T-shirts this week. Really, it's pretty much the same reasons others this month wore orange T-shirts to raise awareness of Indian residential schools, or rainbow colours to support the LGBTQ+ communities.

There are just some things we shouldn't lose sight of ... although it's evidently rather easy to do just that. It happens to individuals and even happens to institutions like the City of Regina.

In a bizarre display of bureaucratic rules taking precedent over common sense, the city did not initially lower flags for the slain RCMP officer because Patton did not meet requirements of being born or stationed in Regina.

Regina serves as the home of every RCMP officer for that critical half year of their life when they train. The people of Indian Head and Wolseley are our neighbours. And they are hurting.

If any good emerges from the senseless death of Patton, for which two Manitoba residents are charged with manslaughter, maybe it can be a little more kindness and consideration before those inclined to do so demand we “Defund the Police.”

As Colleen Myrol noted in an article after the 2014 slaying of three RCMP officers in Moncton that reignited calls for police to carry carbines in their cruisers, “it should be obvious that RCMP officers need at least the same firepower as criminals.”

We need to protect these members of the community, as they protect us.