Condolences pour in for Const. Heidi Stevenson, officer killed during Nova Scotia rampage
Mother of two died Sunday morning responding to shooting incident
Condolences have begun to pour in for RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson, the 23-year veteran and mother of two who was killed Sunday responding to the Nova Scotia gunman suspected of killing at least 15 other people.
Stevenson is the only victim whose name had been released as of late Sunday.
"Today is a devastating day for Nova Scotia and it will remain etched in the minds of many, for years to come," the Nova Scotia RCMP's commanding officer, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman, said in a statement late Sunday afternoon.
"What has unfolded overnight and into this morning is incomprehensible, and many families are experiencing the loss of a loved one. That includes our own RCMP family."
Bergerman said she met with Stevenson's family on Sunday afternoon and "there are no words to describe their pain.
"Two children have lost their mother and a husband his wife. Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague. Heidi's family is a part of our RCMP family and we will embrace and support them in the days, weeks and months ahead."
Condolences arrived from throughout the world of policing and politics.
"Our hearts are heavy with grief and sadness today as we have lost one of our own," Brian Sauve, president of the union representing RCMP officers, said.
Public Safety Minister Bill Blair shared his condolences over all the deaths including Stevenson's.
"Each and every day, our officers work hard to make the world a better place, and they represent the very best of Canada," Blair said in a statement. "Cst. Stevenson will be remembered for her commitment to public service and her dedication to keeping the community safe."
My heart goes out to the families of all those lost in today’s tragic incident in Portapique, including the family of RCMP member Heidi Stevenson. Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/RCMPNS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCMPNS</a> for your service during this incredibly difficult time.
—@BillBlairShe shielded us at home for 23 years.<br>A mother of two. A dear friend. <br><br>Constable Heidi Stevenson<br><br>Please remember her.<br>Please say her name. <a href="https://t.co/or0C98SLLK">pic.twitter.com/or0C98SLLK</a>
—@CAFinUSTo those who lost loved ones following the senseless violence in Nova Scotia, and to the <a href="https://twitter.com/RCMPNS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCMPNS</a> family mourning the loss of Cst. Heidi Stevenson, know Canadians across the country are mourning with you - and are here to support you through this tragedy. <a href="https://t.co/J6TM2od0Le">https://t.co/J6TM2od0Le</a>
—@JustinTrudeauDevastating to hear Cst. Heidi Stevenson was lost in the despicable act of violence in Nova Scotia today.<br><br>A mother to 2 children & 23-year peace officer who laid down her life to protect others<br><br>May we never take for granted the sacrifices made by law enforcement to keep us safe <a href="https://t.co/pU1l7RL8Xm">pic.twitter.com/pU1l7RL8Xm</a>
—@jkenneyLaureen and I mourn the tragic loss of RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson and the countless victims taken horrifically from our neighbours in Nova Scotia. May their loved ones find comfort in knowing our entire country is with them during this unimaginable time.
—@stephenharperIf the last month seems like a bad dream, today is a nightmare. This is horrific beyond belief. To the family of <a href="https://twitter.com/RCMPNS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCMPNS</a> Heidi Stevenson, all Canadians stand with you. To all victims of this catastrophic crime we can only offer heart felt sympathy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unimaginable?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#unimaginable</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HfxRegPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HfxRegPolice</a>
—@MikeSavageHFXOn behalf of the <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TorontoPolice</a>, I extend our deepest condolences to our colleagues at <a href="https://twitter.com/rcmpgrcpolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rcmpgrcpolice</a> for the line of duty death of Constable Heidi Stevenson, to her family and her community in Nova Scotia. Our thoughts are with you all and with the injured officer in hospital.
—@marksaunderstps