Uniting a nation

Times Reporter   

 

Last week the country listened in shock and horror about the rogue gunman wandering through Moncton, New Brunswick who had killed three RCMP officers and injured two others. On Friday, June 6 Strathmore town councillor Bob Sobol took to Facebook to share his thoughts, and comments on the tragic incident. 

This is what he wrote: “Pardon me for a bit of a vent. Dave Ross, an RCMP Dog Handler in Moncton, was cooking dinner last night (on the BBQ). He was going to have a nice dinner with his wife. He was off duty and not on call. He responded to an emergency request for assistance and left dinner on the BBQ to rush out and assist. As he arrived, a gunman stepped out and shot him through the windshield. Dave never stood a … chance. He leaves behind a wife who is six months pregnant and a very young son. The gunman killed two additional RCMP members and injured two others. I will continue to pray for the families of these brave people and hope we never have to deal with another situation like this in Canada. I was never shot at in my 29-year career in the RCMP, but do not have enough fingers on my hands to count the times I was in potentially lethal situations. It is unusual (and devastating) to lose the very people who are sworn to protect us and keep us safe. It is not unusual, however, to have police men and women regularly risk their lives every day. Soooo, next time you see a peace officer sitting in Tim Horton’s having a coffee – remember this. Instead of making silly jokes, (or derogatory comments) maybe go up and buy him or her a coffee and say thanks.”

Within 72 hours the message had spread like wildfire across the country. His comment was shared 8,928 times, over 960,000 people read it and 1,373 comments were made on it. 

“Some of the comments brought me to tears,” said Sobol. 

He said there were two main messages that came out of the comments, one is “there’s a need to go back to respecting your police,” said Sobol.

“The other is regret from people for all the negative comments made.”

He said people would post about how they hadn’t thought about the RCMP member they see having a coffee may be on his or her first break of the day, and some wrote that they needed to remember to respect the men and women in the police force because they are putting their lives on the line for people they don’t even know, to protect them. 

Sobol was deeply affected by the outpouring of support that his comment, meant for his 200 followers at the time – it’s now at 387 – garnered. 

Some of the comments on Facebook were:

“Well said – I too live the life of a dogmans wife as well I am a regular member myself. Many times he runs off to a call leaving behind me and my three year old daughter. In the middle of dinner, special occasions, mowing the lawn, etc. Or often we are both on shift with our little one at home with a sitter. She didn’t choose this life, we did. I pray we always come home to her. My heart is with those families and they will never be forgotten.” – Krista Lynn Wallis-England.

“I agree 100 per cent Bob. Too many people complain about the police, but want them to stand in the line of fire if they get in trouble. If you get a ticket it’s because you broke a law that is there to protect you and others. If you don’t want the ticket then don’t speed, blow a red light or refuse to fasten your seat belt. All policemen deserve our respect and help.” – Scott Millar

“Thank you so much for saying this! My husband is an RCMP member, and every time that I hear the rude and snarky comments, I think ‘and if you’re in trouble, who do you call?’ – it makes me angry that some people choose to create and point out only the negatives; that these people don’t recognize and understand that my husband, my children’s father – among so many other police officers – puts on his uniform every day and goes out to protect and serve. We never know, for sure, when he walks out the door if he will be coming home. I am so proud of him and what he does – what he stands for. But on the other hand, it scares me beyond words. I can only imagine the hurt and pain that the family and friends of the fallen members in Moncton are feeling. My heart breaks for them as they grieve the loss of their loved one because of this senselessness. It is a terrible thing that their children will not have their father, moving forward. Cst. Ross’ kids won’t ever know him – they will only know him through stories that they are told. These three members gave the ultimate sacrifice and are true heroes! I thank them for their service.” – Tammy Hoffart. 

“Thank you. As a wife of an RCMP that spent two days and nights tracking this guy down, that knew the fallen, the pain of this is too intense. We appreciate that you get it. Pray for the families of the lost officers and the ones left to pick up the pieces.” – Tina Chevarie.

“I knew officer Dave Ross – he was one of the best RCMP officers here in Moncton, who took the time to get to know me. I would love to send my thought to his wife and kids. I’m sorry for your loss. To his wife I would like to say your husband was very well love in this community and will be missed by all. I also send my thoughts to the other officers families that were killed and injured in the line of duty. Thanks RCMP for keep your town safe.” – Duncan Mullin.

“You know, people rush about their busy lives, living and doing what they need to get by each day, myself included. I do not consider myself a rude or ignorant person, I have not one ounce dislike for the police force, but I must say this man’s (Bob Sobol) comment has opened my eyes, it has never, ever, occurred to me just what they do each and every day of their lives, that they either put on their uniform or just like this says, answer a routine call … the next time I see a police officer … I am just going to simply say “thanks,” we send salutes to the men and woman who fight in the war for our freedom, we have a secretaries day, a boss day … do we have even have a be kind to the officer who took the guns and drugs off the streets and may have just saved your life day????? Thanks Bob Sobol – Strathmore Town Council, you have really made me think today and for that I thank you.” – Anna Wonnacott.