SQ Inspector Michel Martin, the Canadian Contingent Commander in Haiti, shares his views of the days following the earthquake

Since 1993, approximately 1,000 Canadian police officers have served on various United Nations missions in Haiti, where Canada’s contributions in terms of police resources have lasted the longest and been the largest.

Even now, half of the 200 Canadian police officers assigned to various peacekeeping missions throughout the world are stationed in Haiti. 

I have witnessed many acts of bravery and conviction on the part of Canadian police officers in Haiti over the last few days, and I would like to share them with the Canadians who are listening to us now.

When the earthquake occurred, several of our officers were inside the United Nations building, in the wing that did not collapse. Immediately afterwards and in spite of continuing tremors, they rushed into the ruins of the building to save their colleagues.

The surviving police officers then came together and began the search for their other colleagues, one residence at a time. They searched the debris without cease for 10 hours. The conditions they worked in were terrifying and fraught with imminent danger, as buildings were collapsing all around them.

These officers also provided security for the World Health Organization’s warehouse, which had been partially destroyed by the earthquake. They found a truck that was still in working order, loaded it with medicines and equipment, and drove it directly to the United Nations. Their quick action saved many lives which would have been lost without the necessary medication and first aid supplies.

Meanwhile, other police officers took over the transportation of the seriously injured to temporary clinics and triage centres, escorting several victims and rescue teams.

Starting on January 14, Canadian police officers were on hand to welcome rescue teams arriving from all over the world and escort them to the various sites where people were trapped in the rubble. Through their efforts, they supported the work of over 75 rescue teams. Two and a half days after the disaster, Canadian police officers had saved hundreds of lives.

They also transported very seriously injured people away from the embassy and the various makeshift hospitals to the airport so that they could be evacuated. For the last week, these men and women have also been coordinating outgoing information and updates on the status of the areas hit by the earthquake.

Many of the Canadian police officers are bilingual or even trilingual, in French, English and Creole. They have therefore acted as interpreters during the last week, a skill which has improved the evaluation of injuries. In facilitating patient-doctor communications, they have helped save lives.

These officers have worked tirelessly, not only saved lives, but also performed a variety of different tasks such as directing traffic, facilitating the passage of convoys and escorting Canadian nationals to the airport.

Canadian police officers of all participating departments have played an instrumental role in the daily management of this crisis. They have shown endless resourcefulness and proven that their abilities are multifaceted. Their services are in high demand, and people on site have described them as flexible, generous and adaptable, which is all the more impressive given the fact that many of them have lost everything:  their house, their goods, and most importantly, their colleagues.

This last week, our officers have been living in extraordinary circumstances which have revealed their true nature. Their personal qualities, their extensive training, their values and their selflessness have distinguished them.

Canada can be proud of its improvised ambassadors in Haiti.

SQ Insp. Michel Martin