Statement from Nova Scotia RCMP C.O., A/Commr. Lee Bergerman

April 20, 2020

RCMP Veterans’ Association

Members Helping Members

This information is being provided to all Association Members

Statement of the C.O. “H” Division

Dear Association Members,

The following is the statement of A/Commr. Lee Bergerman regarding the death of Cst. Heidi Stevenson.

Also, after the statement is a poem written by Calgary Division member retired S/Sgt. W.J. (Robbie) Robertson, Reg. No. 18006.

The poem was recited at the unveiling of the Wall of Honour RCMP “K” Division Headquarters, January 5th., 2001.

We wish to thank Robbie for providing this at a time when the RCMP family is reeling at the news of the death of Cst. Stevenson.

James Forrest
Director of Communications
RCMP Veterans’ Association

Statement from Nova Scotia RCMP Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman

Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia and it will remain etched in the minds of many, for years to come.

What has unfolded overnight and into this morning is incomprehensible and many families are experiencing the loss of a loved one.

That includes our own RCMP family. It is with tremendous sadness that I share with you that we lost Cst. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the Force who was killed this morning, while responding to an active shooter incident.

Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served.

Earlier this afternoon, I met with Heidi’s family and there are no words to describe their pain. Two children have lost their mother and a husband his wife. Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague.

Heidi’s family is a part of our RCMP family and we will embrace and support them in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Unfortunately, I have to also share that another one of our officers was injured and is in hospital receiving treatment of non-life threatening injuries. He and his family will be supported and we will be alongside him as he begins his road to recovery.

This tragic incident has also resulted in many victims outside of the RCMP.

Countless families are in mourning today. Each person who lost their life had family and friends and they too will need support.

The impact of this incident will extend from one end of this province to the other. As Nova Scotians, we have to do what we are known for. And come together in times of need and support one another.

A/Commr. Lee Bergerman

THE WALL OF HONOUR

WE’LL NOT FORGET THE ONES WHO DIED
THEY LOVED THE FORCE – THEY SERVED WITH PRIDE
THE CHANCE OF DEATH THEY TOOK IN STRIDE
WE’LL NOT FORGET THE ONES WHO DIED

DUTY TOOK THEM FROM BARRACK DORM
THEY COULD NOT STAY WHERE IT WAS WARM
SOME DIED WHERE ICY WATERS FORM
OR AT THE HANDS OF WINTERS STORM

WE LOST SOME COMRADES IN A WAR
SERVED WITH NUMBER ONE PROVOST CORPS
THEY FOLLOWED THOSE WHO WENT BEFORE
AS CANADAS’ HEROS IN DAYS OF YORE

SOME VICTIMS OF THE OUTLAWS GUN
COWARDLY CRIMINALS ON THE RUN
WILL WAR ON CRIME BE EVER WON?
WE KNOW THEIR FIGHT WITH CRIME IS DONE

WHEN WOMEN JOINED IN SEVENTY-FOUR
SOME SAID THEY COULD NOT DO THE CHORE
THE STRENGTH THEY GAVE, YOU CAN’T IGNORE
THEY EARNED THEIR PLACE, AS THE MEN BEFORE

THE HIGHWAY TRUE CAN BE A SHEOL
AND OF OUR COMRADES TAKES A TOLL
PUBLIC SAFETY WAS THEIR GOAL
NOW THEIR NAMES ADORN THE HONOUR ROLE

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BROTHERHOOD
STANDS FOR RIGHT, ON THE SIDE OF GOOD
THEY TOOK THEIR PLACE – THEY SAID THEY WOULD
E’N THOUGH THEIR LOSS MIGHT BE THEIR BLOOD

WE HEAR THEIR LAUGHTER IN THE HALL
BACK THEN WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY’D FALL
BY MISADVENTURE OR MUSKET BALL
THEIR NAMES NOW ETCHED ON THE HONOUR WALL

PASSER-BY, AS YOU PAUSE IN THOUGHT
AND READ THE NAMES IN THIS SACRED SPOT
THEIR WORDS AND DEEDS TO YOUR MEMORY BROUGHT
AS THEY SILENTLY SAY, “FORGET US NOT”

S/Sgt. W. J. (ROBBIE) ROBERTSON, R’td. – DECEMBER, 2000

Recited at the unveiling of the Wall of Honour RCMP “K” Division Headquarters January 5, 2001