Constable Thomas Agar

Regimental # 33580

On September 19, 1980, Constable Thomas Agar attended the front counter at the Richmond Detachment to offer assistance to a man. What he didn’t know was the man had just shot five people at a hotel in Vancouver, killing three. When Tom asked how he could be of assistance, the man responded by fatally shooting Tom at point-blank range.

A second officer, who rushed to assist was also shot once in the leg but managed to return fire, striking the man twice. The man was arrested and convicted of First Degree Murder and received a life sentence.

Tom was a well liked member of the Detachment. A former supervisor of Tom’s described him as reliable, dependable, loyal and dedicated. Tom was a quiet, unassuming worker bee but at 6’5, someone you never forgot. Tom faithfully showed up to every shift ready to serve and protect the community of Richmond.

Tom was born on December 1, 1953 and was a native of Montreal. Tom’s first posting from RCMP Training Academy in Regina was Richmond. At the time of his death, he had four years’ service. Tom’s wife was eight months’ pregnant at the time. They also had a one-year old daughter.

Tom has been added to both the RCMP Honour Roll in Regina and Police and Peace Officer Memorial on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Tom was a husband, father, son and good friend who went out of his way to help people. He will forever be remembered by those who had the opportunity to work with him. Tom’s final resting place is at Ocean View Cemetery in Burnaby.