RCMP Veterans Diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Seeking Information About RCMP Veterans Diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Eric Howard (Reg. # 33553) is a retired member living in Cochrane, AB. He was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring of the lungs from an unknown cause) – IPF in November 2019 – his conditioned worsened to the point of requiring full time oxygen. During his decline in health, Eric was assessed for and was successful in being placed on the lung transplant list for Western Canada – these transplants are completed at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, AB. He had his lung transplant in October 2020 and is doing well adjusting to his new lease on life.

IPF is one of 200 Interstitial Lung Diseases that are often referenced as Rare Diseases – they receive little public attention unless you or someone you know have one. Eric is gathering information on retired and serving RCMP members and personnel who have some type of Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF). This will aid him in preparing documentation to Veterans’ Affairs Canada (VAC) and will be shared with any other member who should apply. Having relevant data assists immensely in submitting a case that details the prevalence of this disease amongst those in the policing profession and exposed to various situations. Currently there are documented instances where VAC has supported retired members, and there are instances where VAC has not supported retired members diagnosed with PF. The goal is to have PF listed as an Occupational Disease.

The following is being sought – personal details will not be released without permission. This information needs to reflect a person’s association to the RCMP in some form – it can be submitted by someone who has PF; are aware of or related to some who has PF; or you are aware of or related to someone who has died from PF. Eric can be contacted if you would like to discuss your situation or that of someone else.

Eric can be contacted at 403-803-3553 or erthoward@gmail.com

• Name:
• Regimental #:
• Years Served:
• Divisions Served:
• Duties Performed (GD, GIS, ERT, FIS, Fire Investigator, Instructor, Firearms Instructor, etc.):
• Possible Exposures (Mold, Dust, Chemicals, Asbestos, Working Location):
• Diagnosis Date:
• Comments (Family history of this disease, is there an identified cause of your interstitial lung disease, etc.):
• Contact email & phone #:
• Any additional Comments you want to provide:

A mailing list of those who supply information is being compiled and you will be kept informed of the research as it progresses. Your assistance is sincerely appreciated.

To stay informed, keep your RCMP Veterans’ Association Membership current.

Mike Duffy
RCMP Veterans’ Association (RCMPVA)
Chief Advocate
Reg. No. 33398
Association.chiefadvocate@rcmpva.org (Email)
www.rcmpva.org (National Website)

403-381-8200 (House)

403-866-8200 (Mobile)