B.C. police bodies mourn fallen Edmonton officers

After two Edmonton police officers were killed in the line of duty on Thursday, police bodies throughout B.C. are offering their condolences and support.

President of the Vancouver Police Union (VPU), Ralph Kaisers, says the incident is “heart and gut-wrenching.”

He tells CityNews when he learned of the incident, “I felt sick to my stomach right away.” 

“Knowing some of the details of the incident that these members attended to, that could be any officer anywhere in this country responding to a call, not knowing potentially going to happen to them responding to a call for service.”

Read More: ‘Unthinkable and horrific tragedy’: 2 Edmonton police officers shot and killed

According to the Edmonton Police Service, Const. Travis Jordan, 35, and Const. Brett Ryan, 30, were responding to a domestic call early Thursday morning in Edmonton when they were shot, both dying in the hospital. The suspect also died from what police believe was a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

Const. Brett Ryan (left) and Const. Travis Jordan (right). (Photos Courtesy: Edmonton Police Service)

Kaisers says the news has likely affected every police officer in the country.

“Everyone has their own experiences and different things may trigger different people in different ways. As police officers, we certainly are exposed to a lot more critical and traumatic incidents than the general public and this may be a trigger for someone that sees this story and starts thinking about their own issues that they’ve had throughout their career and some of the calls they faced,” he explained, adding he also feels for the officers who responded to the shooting and tended to their fallen colleagues.

Read More: Father to be and ‘snow angel’: Edmonton officers shot and killed on duty remembered

Once arrangements are made, Kaisers says that Vancouver police officers will attend the funerals of Jordan and Ryan.

“We are fairly close to our brothers and sisters in Edmonton and there will be a strong showing of VPU members,” he said.

B.C. police bodies show support for fallen officers

A handful of other police unions and bodies have also expressed condolences for the deaths of the officers in Edmonton.

The chiefs of the Vancouver Police Department and Victoria Police Department made statements about the fallen officers.

In a tweet, Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer offered “heartfelt condolences” on behalf of the department.

On behalf of #VPD our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of the 2 #EPS Patrol Officers who were murdered last night while bravely serving #Edmonton– your #PoliceFamily is here for you @edmontonpolice @YEGPA @DMMcFee @VancouverPD pic.twitter.com/eVAXn0hjnu

— Adam Palmer (@ChiefPalmer) March 16, 2023

Del Manak, Victoria’s police chief, called the officers’ deaths “senseless.”

A sad & tragic day. So sorry to hear about the senseless on-duty deaths of @edmontonpolice Cst. Travis Jordan & Brett Ryan. @vicpdcanada sends heartfelt condolences to the officer’s families, EPS colleagues & the @CityofEdmonton. Our flags are lowered to respect the fallen heroes https://t.co/LWprUh7TOq

— Del Manak (@ChiefManak) March 16, 2023

Police bodies in New Westminster and Surrey also posted messages of support online.

Tragic news this morning out of Edmonton about two @edmontonpolice officers murdered while responding to a call for help. The staff at the New Westminster Police Department send their deepest condolences. We grieve with you. @DMMcFee

— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) March 16, 2023

We are devastated to hear about the tragic loss of two @edmontonpolice officers that were responding to a call earlier this morning. We’re thinking about the officers, their families, and colleagues in Edmonton today. #HeroesinLife pic.twitter.com/QSxhgInFlp

— Surrey Police Service (@surreyps) March 16, 2023

The union representing RCMP officers in Canada, the National Police Federation, also spoke out.

“We are heartbroken to learn that two of our Edmonton Police Service (EPS) colleagues were murdered while responding to a family dispute early this morning. Our thoughts and hearts go to the families, friends, and colleagues of Const. Travis Jordan and Const. Brett Ryan, as well as to the Edmonton Police Service and the Edmonton Police Association,” the union said in a statement to CityNews.

“Every single day, police officers across the country put their uniforms on, hoping to return home safely. Over the past months, we have been too-often reminded of the real dangers that police officers face on the job. Our Members and NPF team mourn with you during this difficult time.”

–With files from Alejandro Melgar and Cole Fortner