Commanding Officer’s Statement – Death of Cpl. Trevor O’Keefe

September 14, 2017
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

News release

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The sudden death of our dear friend and colleague, Corporal Trevor O'Keefe, this past Monday, has been a blow to the RCMP, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and most of all, to his family and those who worked alongside him.

Trevor was a much-loved and highly regarded member of the RCMP in B Division. His ready smile and sense of humour brought happiness and laughter to our workplace, and we were blessed to have a member like him. Besides taking a strong interest in his community, he cared deeply about his family, and spoke proudly of them and of his friends.

As the face and voice of B Division, he was also well-liked and widely respected by members of the media, our policing partners and the public. We have been touched by your messages of condolence, support and compassion.

These have been difficult days for the RCMP family. The loss of Trevor is compounded by the on-duty death of Constable Francis Deschenes of Nova Scotia.

B Division has a strong support network for employees that includes a Wellness Team comprised of physicians, nurses, psychologists and peer support. The team has been meeting with employees both in our St. John's Headquarters, where Trevor worked, and in surrounding detachments and are available to provide assistance to all who may need it. In addition, all employees have access to services and counseling through the Employee Assistance Program. Most importantly, as co-workers, colleagues and friends, we need to be there for each other and make sure those around us are okay – not just now, but always.

In the wake of events like this one, we all struggle to comprehend what led to the tragedy, or what could have been done differently. There continues to be a great deal of work done to understand what contributed to it and what more we can do to support our men and women who not only confront the risks of these difficult jobs, but also face the same pressures, stresses and challenges as anyone else in the community. As these efforts unfold, let us remember Trevor as the dedicated, caring man that he was.

For those who wish to pay their respects, visitation will take place at Ryan's Funeral Home, Bay Bulls, on Thursday, September 14 from 2 to 9 pm. A memorial service will be held on Friday September 15 at 2 pm at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Bay Bulls. Following his family's wishes, donations in Trevor's name will be gratefully accepted for the Sacred Heart RC Cemetery Fund, Tors Cove.

Please keep Trevor's family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers at this time, and look after each other.

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