COQUITLAM, B.C., September 22, 2023 – The City of Coquitlam is offering deepest sympathies following a police incident in Coquitlam, which claimed the life of a dedicated RCMP officer and left two other officer injured.
The City was very saddened to learn that three police officers had been injured during a police incident in Coquitlam earlier today, and that Constable Rick O’Brien, a member of the Ridge Meadows RCMP detachment, ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
"Coquitlam City Council and staff join me in extending our deepest condolences, and humble gratitude to all the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect our community,” said Coquitlam Mayor, Richard Stewart. “We recognize the daily challenges and risks our police members face. To see any one of them harmed in the line of duty is heartbreaking, and when a law enforcement officer makes the ultimate sacrifice while working to keep our city safe, it is truly devastating.”
The flags in Buchanan Square, which are shared by the City of Coquitlam and Coquitlam RCMP Detachment, as well as the flags at all civic facilities are being flown at half-staff in honour of Constable O’Brien, and will remain lowered until the day of his funeral service.
In the wake of this tragic event, the City calls upon Coquitlam residents and businesses to join them in honouring the service and memory of Constable O’Brien's by continuing to work towards creating a safer and more inclusive community for all.
Media contact:
Kathleen Vincent
Manager, Communications and Civic Engagement
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3019
media@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.