While formal funerals cannot be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Delta Police Ceremonial Unit and senior management team wanted to honour RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson, tragically killed in the line of duty in Nova Scotia.
Last week, officers from Delta held a short ceremony outside the department in Ladner in order for her colleagues, friends and loved ones to know that her service and sacrifice are being honoured across the country.
“Delta police have a Ceremonial Unit, led by A/Sgt. Jim Ingram, and they met as a team to determine how they could best show their support to Const. Stevenson’s family, loved ones and co-workers,” said Chief Neil Dubord. “They knew that given the current restrictions with the pandemic, Cst. Stevenson wouldn’t have the regimental funeral she deserved.”
Dubord said the department had to develop a plan that respected the current need for physical distancing, including training.
“They trained in small groups throughout the week respecting physical distancing requirements,” he said. “On the day the video was filmed the entire unit came together in a service, witnessed by our senior management team, that we felt honoured specific parts of a regimental funeral.
“This was such a horrific tragedy. Though the ceremony was for Const. Stevenson and her loved ones, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that the service was also for us. It was something we needed to do.”
