Heidi Stevenson And 17 Others

This news seems to have filtered far and wide, but 23-year veteran RCMP officer Heidi Stevenson, seen to the left, was killed yesterday as part of Canada's worst mass shooting in the country's history. HBIC does not exist without a heart; rather, this is a tragic and sad moment for our nation, for the families of the 18 victims, and for the Nova Scotia RCMP who lost a sister yesterday. While there has yet to be any explanation for the shooter's intentions, his name will not be mentioned once here because he doesn't deserve any sort of recognition for what he did. Instead, today's article is about the 18 people who had their lives tragically cut short through no fault of their own, and to recognize and thank the men and women, like Constable Stevenson, of law enforcement departments across this great nation who give us reason to feel safe.

According to reports, the gunman who took the lives of these 18 people was wearing a police uniform and driving some sort of vehicle that was made to look like am RCMP cruiser. It takes a special kind of coward to wear the uniform of the people we entrust to keep us safe and use that trust against us. That makes my blood boil because that trust that we're supposed to have for these brave men and women who keep us safe will now be eroded for those people in Portapique and elsewhere in this country.

For the families of the 17 victims not identified as of yet, I hope and pray you find some closure in this tragedy no matter how long it takes. This was a senseless, cowardly act of violence, and I want to extend my heartfelt, sincere condolences for your losses. No one should have to suffer this kind of loss for what appears to be a gutless act of violence. May your loved ones rest in peace knowing the immense amount of love you've shown them.

To the Stevenson family, your loss will never be recouped and I am truly sorry for that. A husband and two sons will mourn forever over the loss of their mother, and that's painfully heartbreaking to know. I want you to know that your mother and your wife is a hero in the eyes of this writer. She was investigating the circumstances of this cowardly killer, and I hope she's bestowed the highest honour she can possibly receive as an officer because she was one of the good ones. While the words "stay strong" will ring hollow today, celebrating life in her memory, her values, and her teachings will always keep her spirit alive. May she rest in peace as a true hero.

Heidi Stevenson is a hero. She always will be a hero. Her partner, who was injured and is in hospital, is a hero. In saying that, I proudly want this candle to burn for all eternity in her honour and in honour of the brave men and women across this great nation who wear the badge and keep us safe. Thank you for being everyday heroes.

Until next time, honour the 18 victims by holding your stick high!