On June 8th, 2014, two police officers, Constable David Wynn and Auxiliary Constable Derek Bond, were shot in a casino in St. Albert, Alberta. Wynn died later that week from his injuries, while Bond survived. The shooter, identified as 34-year-old Shawn Rehn, fled the scene and was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The tragedy was not just a loss to their families and colleagues, but also a shock to the community. The incident raised questions about gun control laws, mental health training for law enforcement officers, and the safety of everyday people.
The events leading up to the shooting involved a domestic dispute that Rehn had with his girlfriend, who had filed a restraining order against him. Despite the order, Rehn managed to obtain a gun, raising concerns about the screening process to obtain firearms in Canada.
But the story of the two officers goes beyond the night of the shooting. It is a story of two men who were dedicated to serving their community and their families, who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Constable David Wynn had been with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for nine years, and had previously served as a military police officer. He was described as a compassionate officer who always put others first. He had a wife and three children, and was known to be a loving and devoted family man.
Auxiliary Constable Derek Bond had been with the RCMP for six years, working part-time while also running his own business. He had a wife and two children, and was respected in the community for his professionalism and dedication.
The two officers were working together the night of the shooting, responding to a call about a stolen vehicle. When they arrived at the casino, they approached Rehn, who was acting suspiciously. He pulled out a gun and began shooting at them, hitting both of them before fleeing the scene.
The community was shocked and saddened by the loss of Wynn and the injury to Bond. The RCMP launched an investigation into the shooting, and questions about gun control laws and mental health training for law enforcement officers were raised.
The tragedy also led to a renewed focus on the safety of police officers in Canada. In response, the RCMP implemented new safety measures, including the use of new equipment and training for officers. The incident also led to an outpouring of support for the families of the officers, who had lost a husband, father, brother, and son.
In the years since the shooting, the families of the officers have worked to honor their legacies. The David Wynn Memorial Golf Tournament was established to raise funds for families of fallen officers, while the Derek Bond Memorial Hockey Game was created to support the community.
The incident also led to changes in Canadian law. In 2015, the federal government passed a bill that requires anyone seeking to buy a gun to undergo a background check first. The bill also includes other measures to help prevent gun violence, such as increased penalties for weapons-related crimes.
The story of Constable David Wynn and Auxiliary Constable Derek Bond is a tragedy that should never have happened. But it is also a story of two men who dedicated their lives to serving their community, and who will always be remembered for their sacrifice. Their legacy lives on in the communities they served, in the hearts of their families, and in the hearts of all those who are committed to making our world a safer place.