Greater Victoria police agencies took time out on Wednesday (June 28) to pay tribute to all those involved in responding to a bank robbery on this day in 2022 in Saanich in which two suspects were killed and six officers were seriously injured.
Saanich Police Department Chief Const. Dean Duthie issued a statement to mark the one-year anniversary of the shooting incident at the BMO on Shelbourne Street – an event that rocked Greater Victoria.
Duthie said the tragedy has “tested” many in the community.
“As we acknowledge and recognize the date, we are mindful and respect that our staff, people directly involved, and people in our community will be reflecting and processing feelings in individual and unique ways,” Duthie said in the statement. “The past year has tested us as people, police officers and as an organization in extraordinary ways that have encouraged healthy change and growth in our culture and internal systems. The health, well-being and connection with all our staff – sworn officers, civilian personnel, and volunteers have been, and continue to be a primary focus as we move forward, progress, and strengthen.”
Today, we reflect back on June 28th last year, and want to take this opportunity to thank our community for the support and gratitude they showed us that day, in the days and weeks that followed and even to this day. From all of us here at SPD,thank you 🙏 https://t.co/OggWwAgFLw pic.twitter.com/NLnuS8wdg5
— Saanich Police (@SaanichPolice) June 28, 2023
Three of the injured Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team officers are members of the Saanich Police Department, while the others are members of the Victoria Police Department.
“As a vital step forward, it was critical for us to remain open, connected, and responsive to the changing needs and new challenges that this traumatic and highly emotional incident identified,” Duthie said. “By enhancing and growing our internal mental health resources, training, and wellness programs, we have made significant strides forward in the quality and timeliness of supports for our staff – which has had a meaningful impact on our staff’s recovery as many have successfully returned to active duty while others continue to progress in their healing journey.”
Duthie then thanked everyone who responded to the call, including members of the Victoria Police Department. Earlier in the day, VicPD Chief Del Manak issued his own statement and the department also posted a video about the event.
Today, we remember the June 28, 2022 events with gratitude for those who responded and those who have supported us over the past year. #GVERT #yyj | https://t.co/tX0y294B0v pic.twitter.com/TFAdSEnTLF
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) June 28, 2023
“One year later, we say thank you, to everyone who showed up on that day, and in the days, weeks and months that followed. From the other police and emergency response departments, to the health and wellness professionals who have accompanied us, and the others who were impacted that day, in the ongoing journey to recovery, to the citizens of Victoria and Esquimalt who continue to show their support – thank you for being there.”
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