No one chooses the police profession for the sole purpose of handing out tickets, even if that is also part of the social contract that binds us to the police. They and they are all driven by the desire to change our daily lives a little when the social fabric is crumpled by distress, conflict or the ugliness of damaged living together. They and they aspire to restore a little light and harmony in our communities jostled by the backwash of human storms. Hoping to preserve or restore our sense of security threatened by the swell of psychosocial and criminal problems, they and they choose to protect and serve our communities.
Choosing to help and protect our society is a noble quest, but a difficult mandate, often thankless and sometimes cruel. Although often unconsciously, each police officer, each police officer returns home after a shift thanking life for being able to hold his love, his children, his loved ones against his heart. Because they all know the risk. The inherent risk, despite security vigilance, despite the reinforcement of colleagues, despite the best physical, psychological and emotional preparation. Because, despite all the precautions, zero risk does not exist for them either.
When she left the house that morning for her shift, to go on patrol, Maureen Breau probably thought about the next meal to cook, the assignment to sign for school, the accountant to contact for taxes, to Easter gifts to buy for children… Like you, like us. And then the drama.
The next morning, with a heavy heart, Maureen’s co-workers and police officers from across the province came into the station, put on their uniforms, rose above their immense suffering and did what they set out to do. chosen to do with their lives, despite everything: to meet you to protect you and serve you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I salute your courage and your resilience. Our communities, those you serve, feel your pain, your anger, your pain. We hold you in our arms, helpless, but united.
Thanks for being there for us.