Honour guard: First responders flank funeral of Cpl. Trevor O'Keefe - Action News
Home WebMail Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 06:05 AM | Calgary | -0.3°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
NL

Honour guard: First responders flank funeral of Cpl. Trevor O'Keefe

First responders filled a church in Bay Bulls Friday to honour Cpl. Trevor O'Keefe who died by suicide on Monday.

Well-known RCMP officer died by suicide Monday

RCMP colleagues salute at the funeral service for Cpl Trevor O'Keefe in Bay Bulls Friday. (Ted Dillon/CBC)

Mounties and other first responders gathered in Bay Bulls Friday to honour RCMP Cpl. Trevor O'Keefe who died by suicide on Monday.

Members of the RCMP and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, firefighters, paramedics, corrections officers and others attended the memorial service at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church.

O'Keefedied by suicide Monday, after a battle with post-traumatic stress syndrome.He was 47.

The well-known officer was a 17-year veteran of theRCMPand was highly regarded.

O'Keefe's death has focused attention on the pressures faced by police officers as they do their job. (Ted Dillon/CBC)

RCMP officers, wearing their formal red dress, greeted peopleat the front door of the church, while loud speakers allowed those outside of the church to listen to the service for O'Keefe

At the start of the funeral, O'Keefe's parents addressed those gatheredin Bay Bulls.

"Trevor was a great man. He dearly loved us. God bless all of you for coming here to support him. He would have loved it," O'Keefe'sfather Pierre said.

Trevor has left us a legacy that will live forever. A kind hearted man, he was generous.- Biddy O'Keefe

His mother, Biddy, said sheand her family are heartbroken.

"Trevor has left us a legacy that will liveforever. A kind-hearted man, hewas generous. His love knew no bounds. His love of his friends wasgenuine," she said.

"He would shine those [RCMP] boots would until they glistened."

Flags were lowered Friday to honour RCMP Cpl. Trevor O'Keefe. (Jeremy Eaton/CBC)

RCMP Staff Sgt. Boyd Merrill told CBC News that his friend and colleague had a good sense of humour and was a caring and fun-loving person.

"Trevor O'Keefe was an amazing individual," Merrill said.

"Not only was he an amazing police officer, he was a tremendous father. He was just a joy to be around for co-workers and the communities that he worked in. He was well known for his compassion and his understanding."

O'Keefewas close to his Irish roots, andwas laid to rest Friday onthe Southern Shore he loved at the Tors Cove Roman Catholic cemetery.

Former premier and police officer Paul Davis arrived to pay his respects to family and friends of Trevor O'Keefe. (Jeremy Eaton/CBC)