Not one, but two heroes, dedicated to the preservation of life and property in Edmonton Alberta, will never again stand to serve their community. In the early morning hours of March 16th 2023, Constable Brett RYAN and Constable Travis JORDAN faced wickedness one final time upon this earth. The enemy brought an end to a 5.5 year career and a 8.5 year career of Brett and Travis in an instant, via a cowardly ambush that provided these officers no opportunity for a resolution. All their earthly hopes and dreams perished today and what remains is the intense grief shared by all who know and love them. The loss to their families and the community of Edmonton is insurmountable, and the grief of their loved ones and peers is immeasurable.
We, as police chaplains across Canada, pray with sorrowful hearts for the families of Brett and Travis. Our prayers will not bring these young men back; however, as men and women of faith we believe that God hears our prayers, and there will come a peace that transcends all understanding. In the midst of this double tragedy, I am grateful knowing that EPS Head Chaplain Roy Langer and a team of chaplains have mobilized and are with our Edmonton PS sisters and brothers. Upon hearing from Roy, he has specifically requested that as chaplains to "please pray for Emotional, Physical, Mental and Spiritual Strength as well as Holy Spirit Wisdom." Our prayers for resiliency, strength and compassion are with you Roy and Daniel and Melody and all the chaplains serving the courageous women and men of EPS and their families.
On behalf of all CPCA chaplains across Canada, our deepest condolences to the spouses, parents, relatives, peers, and friends of Constable Brett RYAN and Constable Travis JORDAN. We are and will continue to pray for you and hold you in our hearts. There is a poem that one of my Staff Sergeants shared in December at the Celebration of Life of our BPS peer and dear friend Constable Greg Anderson. This poem brought tears to every eye and touched the heart of every police officer gathered to honor Greg. The author of this poem entitled "The Final Inspection" is unknown, but I have the sense that it was written either by a police officer or a family member of a police officer.
As a fellow police officer, I express my gratitude through tears and heartache to Brett and Travis for your years of service, and to their families who raised these brave men who gave everything in their service to the community of Edmonton. You will not be forgotten.
Constable/Chaplain Bruce Ewanyshyn
CPCA President
ICPC Director Region 1
"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep.... Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here. They never wanted me around Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman, You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown
Comments