Once again the flags fly at half mast today on the grounds of the Brandon PS where I serve, and across the nation of Canada. Another peacekeeper's life has been taken through a senseless and cowardly act of violence. A calling has been cut short; while family, friends, and colleagues are deprived of watching a man fulfill all life had for him and for those he journeyed alongside. As police officers and as police chaplains, we grieve this loss and mourn with the community of Toronto. Our hearts go out to Andrew's wife and children for whom there are no words that can reduce the pain of their loss. Our hearts also go out to the other persons who were killed or wounded.
In this midst of this suffering, there are the police chaplains of TPS who are engaged to bring the ministry of presence to the hurting. Thank you Chaplain Hillar Alkok and the other chaplains who are actively pursuing the family, friends, and colleagues of Andrew Hong. We pray for you for strength and perseverance to express compassion and love in ways that are tangible to all those who are closely affected by this tragedy.
On behalf of the CPCA Leadership Team and all the family of CPCA chaplains, we offer our deepest condolences to Constable Hong's family, friends, and collogues. You are in our thoughts and our prayers; may there arise comfort within your hearts from the mourning of many as you see the love poured out from across our nation.
BPS Constable/Chaplain Bruce Ewanyshyn
CPCA President
ICPC Region One Director