Tributes for Regimental Funeral of Cst. Rick O’Brien

B.C.

2023-10-04 11:09 PDT

Commissioner Mike Duheme

Constable O’Brien’s family, Minister Leblanc and honoured guests, RCMP and law enforcement colleagues and veterans, friends.

I want to start by expressing my deepest condolences. That’s far too formal a way to express how raw this feels. Once again, a barbaric, senseless act of violence has robbed us of someone who was making a difference — who was trying to make things better for all of us. I’m devastated by this tragic loss, and I’m outraged that one more police officer was killed in the line of duty.

Please know that the entire RCMP shares your grief, as does the national and international law enforcement and first responder community. We are here with you during this incredibly difficult time.

Constable Rick O’Brien’s death is an enormous loss to his family and loved ones, to the larger RCMP family both in British Columbia and nationally, to Ridge Meadows Detachment, and to the communities he served.

Last week, the British Columbia Law Enforcement Memorial honoured fallen members in this province. Just before that I was at Depot, our training academy in Regina, for the RCMP National Memorial. We added the names of three more fallen police officers to our Honour Roll. When I left that memorial, I hoped to never have to add another name to that monument.

Regimental funerals, like memorials, are deeply meaningful ceremonies for any first responder, and especially law enforcement. They bring key partners together and remind us how many people are affected by the work we do. They allow us to pay our respects to colleagues we’ve lost and continue to grieve. But they also serve as stark reminders of the risks police officers face every day, simply by doing their jobs, without knowing what the next call will bring.

We are the ones that individuals and communities rely on for help in their darkest moments.

Constable O’Brien gave so much of himself in his 7 years of exemplary service with the RCMP. He received the Commanding Officer’s Commendation, as well a recognition of valour from the Province of British Columbia, for helping to disrupt a violent home invasion. His work contributed to the rescue of four adults and one small child, and the arrest of four armed suspects.

The sad reality is that the criminal landscape is increasingly violent, the demands placed on officers are higher than ever, and the dangers are painfully real. This means that our law enforcement community is needed now more than ever. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by our members, law enforcement, and first responder partners.

It takes a special kind of person to choose to work in this field. Policing demands extraordinary dedication and skill, outstanding professionalism, and unflinching courage. There are certainly easier ways to serve Canadians, many with fewer risks. But I can’t think of a career more rewarding than this one.

Like every member of the RCMP, Constable O’Brien chose this noble path of service in order to positively contribute to enhancing the safety and security of Canadians. Rick made a positive impact in policing – he embraced his community and provided a model for others to follow. Rick is, and always will be, a hero, and we will carry on his important work.

As Commissioner of the RCMP, leading this great organization made up of 30,000 people, I will keep doing everything in my power to protect the safety of every RCMP employee, while they focus on protecting others. And I call on all community leaders and decision makers at all levels of government to do their part. Each one of us must support the vital work underway to preserve peace and safety across the country. I am counting on all of you.

On behalf of the RCMP, and all the people that he served, protected, or inspired over his career, I want to express my most heartfelt thanks and respect to Constable Rick O’Brien.

Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald

On behalf of all the men and women who work with and support the RCMP in British Columbia – many of whom are here today - I extend our most profound condolences to Rick’s family, friends and colleagues.

We are here to honour our hero and to comfort Rick’s family, his detachment and force, communities, partners and a country in mourning. We're here to process our pain and to cope with our frustration and anger. And we are here to celebrate the life of an absolutely remarkable man and Mountie – someone who consistently closed gaps and stepped up when needed most - Cst. Rick O’Brien.

Rick’s path to the BC RCMP began when his family moved to Chilliwack when he was 17 years old. After school, he worked as an Educations Assistant for 8 years in the Chilliwack School District and also as a Support Worker with Surrey Association. Rick’s passion for helping others made him an ideal candidate for the Force. After several years, Rick made the momentous decision to change careers and join the RCMP. He saw a need, a gap that he knew he could fill.

Cadet O’Brien started his training in DEPOT on April 4, 2016 as a member of Troop 1. Even though he was a mature Cadet - he was a little quiet and reserved when he started, but very focused on learning and improving. He was part of the DEPOT choir – and despite his best efforts, I’m told he wasn’t able to get any Led Zeppelin added to the song list. Cadet O’Brien put in the work, spent extra time with his trainers and overcame all challenges. He gained his voice and confidence – he earned his serge and badge.

He was excited to return to BC after his training and asked to posted in the Lower Mainland, so he could be with his family. He also hoped to continue to build on the many connections he had made prior to joining us. In his own words, in the memo we Mounties all have to send to our first posting – Rick wrote - I know my determination, drive and my interpersonal skills as well as my desire to help people would be an asset to General Duty and for future specialities. I am eager and thrilled to begin as a Constable and look forward to my first posting with E Division.

Once he arrived at Ridge Meadows Detachment… he settled in well – working in Frontline for a few years, before joining the Community Policing unit in Maple Ridge and then Crime Prevention side in Pitt Meadows, before returning to General Duty Frontline policing in Maple Ridge a couple years ago.

He was quick to close the gaps - whether it was bridging divides in the community, forging connections with fellow officers and partners, or extending a helping hand to those in need. He had an uncanny knack for bringing people together, for finding common ground even in the most challenging circumstances. Whether it was spending extra time helping the homeless, participating in events for residential school survivors or when doing many presentations about the Graduated Licencing Program or bullying in schools.

Cst. O’Brien loved a shirt day – whether it was pink or orange, a jersey or required someone in Red Serge – he was your guy.

During COVID when we were all required to socially distance and the world became more isolated, Rick increased his patrols in the Katzie community wanting to assure them of his protective presence. He would stop to wave at every kid he could see, bringing a smile to their faces. Again, he found away to close the gap. He did a number of online presentations via Zoom to ensure our most vulnerable youth were supported.

Cst. Rick O’Brien also stepped up when faced with adversity. With just eight months’ service - Constable O’Brien displayed calm leadership and courage when he and other members of Maple Ridge Detachment responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls of an active and violent home invasion by armed suspects. Despite the inherent grave danger of confronting multiple armed suspects in such a volatile situation, a small team of members quickly formulated a plan and made entry into the residence. Constable O’Brien and others rescued four adults and a four-year-old child while also apprehending armed suspects. He closed the gap that day just as he did last Friday when executing a search warrant in Coquitlam.

It says something when multiple yearly assessments reference Rick’s sense of humour, an appetite for mischievous behaviour on the watch, but also a realistic optimism and an ability to wordsmith occurrences in a way that still have his supervisors laughing.

Saying goodbye to one of our most noble protectors will never get easy. He spent so much of his career closing gaps – how do we now deal with the gap left by his absence?

When we look at Rick's life – a phenomenal one sacrificed in service – we see an unwavering dedication to the community. We see a man who made a conscious decision to change careers in order to put the lives of others above his own. We see a person who cared deeply for others – especially the most vulnerable – because it was at the core of who he was.

Cst. Rick O’Brien – Regimental #62890 - You chose to serve and help others and you did so with distinction. You were a hero who consistently closed gaps and stepped up when we needed you the most. You made a difference.

To Rick’s family – Thank you for sharing Rick with us. We share your grief. Your RCMP family is here for you. We know there is nothing we can say or do that will ever ease the pain and sadness you feel. But that will never stop us from being by your side whenever and wherever you need us. It's what makes our RCMP family so special: because it is made up of so many incredible people – people like Rick.

We stand ready, a sea of Red, to fill the gap Rick has left behind.

We are so fortunate to have had him among our ranks. He made us better.
Let us honour his memory by carrying forward the values of courage, compassion, and unity that defined his service.

All of this is going to take courage. But we can take some of that courage from Cst. Rick O’Brien, because he certainly had enough to go around.

We will never forget.

Cynthia Niezen

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Cindy Niezen, the older of Rick’s 2 sisters. Rick was oldest child in our family; should explain a lot. He was 2 years older than me, although he would tell everyone that I was older. I have been asked by the family to share some stories of Rick.

After careful consideration, we thought it would be a good idea to frame these stories by looking at Rick’s main Love languages, which I’ve affectionately labeled, believe it or not, Rick loved you. Our goal is to provide a snapshot of Rick’s finer qualities. I’m not going to stand up here and say that Rick was a saint, because I’m pretty sure lightening would strike. Also, this place is crawling with cops, and I’m pretty sure you all have built in lie detectors.

Because we are telling Rick stories, I will do my best to keep it to a PG version.

Rick’s version of Gift Giving – Rick enjoyed cracking them off whenever and wherever. Yeah, I’m going there. I swear he would intentionally eat spicy food, as well as dairy products to enhance the fragrance of his gift to you. For all of you that can’t read between the lines, Rick loved to fart. Both my sister, Christina, and I were extremely grateful when God bless him with 3 beautiful children, with which to share this incredible gift. His oldest daughter Cindy (you heard right, she was name after me), Chelsie, his middle child, and finally Issac, who is currently letting everyone know that he was Rick’s favorite.

Rick loved to spend time with his kids and whenever they got in the vehicle to go somewhere, he received an immense amount of pleasure by cracking one off in the truck, and then proceeded to lock the windows and doors, so that no one could escape. For all those that knew Rick personally, if I asked for a show of hands if you have reaped the benefits of this special gift that Rick would sacrificially give, I’m sure that 90% of you would raise your hands. The remaining 10% are just trying to be polite, or you’ve blocked out the traumatic experience.

Rick’s version of Words of Affirmation – I know that this is going to shock all of you who were close to Rick, but he was sarcastic. Believe it or not, the amount of teasing, joking, and name calling that you endured, I mean received from Rick, was an indication of how much he truly cared for you. At least this is the way my therapist explained it. Our sister, Christina, wanted to share this memory… We were all out for dinner when Christina went to ask Rick if he had ever smoked a cigar. Unfortunately, instead of saying cigar, Christina said skiddar. In our family if you make a mistake like that, we jump on it like a bunch of wild animals. So, this gave Rick hours of ammunition as well as entertainment. He would say things like skiddar mate, pass the skiddar, he even took to Facebook asking if any of his followers knew what a skiddar was. Christina is still in counselling.

Rick’s version of Physical Touch – Growing up, Rick displayed a great amount of physical touch. These methods were deployed with a well calculated strategic plan. He would execute his plan with precision. This consisted of unrelenting wet Willies, Mr. Crabs, nuggies, rubbing his itchy head on you, and my personal favorite was when he lay on top of you yelling I’m a human blanket. I’m pretty sure that’s when all of us learned the art of dissociation.

Rick adored our Mom, Pat O’Brien. He had her wrapped around her little finger and when he was younger if he ever got into trouble with our Dad, Rick O’Brien Sr., Rick would run to my Mom and throw his arms around her and then look over at our Dad with a smirk on his face.

All kidding aside, Rick loved to give hugs. Some of our favorite memories consist of his great healing hugs, a gift that he inherited from our Mom. He would also give you a kiss and would never forget to say, I love you.

Rick’s oldest daughter, Cindy, would like for all of you to know that every time she had a school play, Rick was there. He would watch would pride, and then be the first to present her with a bouquet of roses and a big hug.

Chelsie, Rick’s middle child wanted to let you all know that her best memory of Rick was when he took her and Bryce to the Seahawks game. They had such a great time together.

Isaac, Rick’s son, aka the favorite, shared the most touching memory of all. Rick had recently come out for a visit and him and Isaac were driving in Rick’s truck… aka, Rick’s real favorite child, his truck that is. While driving, Rick had to sneeze, which took place at the exact time that Isaac had to yawn. I’m sure half of you have clued into what takes place next. For the remaining half, Rick sneezed directly into the blasting vents, which ultimately created sinus spray directly into Isaac’s mouth. I’d just like to say thank you to Isaac for such a moving story.

My parents were so proud of Rick. In fact, when Rick graduated from depot my parents designated an entire wall for Rick – a shrine. I don’t think anyone knew/knows that Rick had two sisters. Rick loved to play hockey, my Dad was the one who taught him how to lace up and skate. Rick Sr. taught Rick how to drive a stick and forgave him every time he crashed the car. FYI, that happened a lot. My Mom loved him so much. She would constantly remind him of how proud she was of him. She would kiss him, hug him, and pray for him.

Rick loved to laugh, and we hope you were able to laugh with us as we remember who he was.

I want to leave you with this... If Rick loved you, he loved you with his entire being. Thank you, Nicole, for loving Rick. Our family is forever grateful to you for loving him, his kids and us, your extended family. We know that Rick is at peace, probably the only guy in heaven listening to Led Zepplin. I know he is there with our Mom, hugging her and smirking at all of us.

Nicole Longacre O'Brien

Rick…My love….Where do I even begin?….The night before, we were soo excited. Talking about this very day…the day where we were jumping on an airplane to paradise for 11 days. 11 days of just being together. No work…no distractions…no kids…just us. And here I am instead…sending you off to a different kind of paradise….one that I was never prepared for.

How do I ever imagine life without you? When our whole life was planned around being together and watching the kids grow up. Getting older…becoming grandparents…and looking forward to all the adventures we were still going to take. You were always such a trooper when I came up with things to do. I know you often rolled your eyes, and were thinking…seriously…do we have to? but you always went along anyways because you loved me and you wanted to make me happy. Oh the fun we’ve had! We really did fit a lifetime of adventures into the last 11.5 years.

My very favourite thing about you…is loving you and the way you love me back. The love we shared will be the one thing I will cherish the most. A once in a lifetime kind of love. A storybook love. A love that we both never knew existed. I love loving you and I love our story.

You came into my life when I least expected it. I remember seeing you for the first time. It was those beautiful kind eyes and that beautiful smile. It didn’t take long to learn what an amazing human you were on top of it all. A beautiful human with a soothing voice. You are kind, caring, compassionate, thoughtful and considerate. Everything that I could have hoped for you in a partner and so much more. You wrote me songs and poems and I even remember when you mailed me a CD you made to my work. And then excitedly told me why you chose each song. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with you.

I always knew you were my gift from the Universe. Exactly what me and the kids needed. You not only loved me, you loved my kids as if they were your own. And for that, we are all left more enriched and better for it.

You took each one of the kids, Tayler, Brayden and Bryce, under your wing and nurtured your own relationship with them. Although it wasn’t always easy, I always appreciated that you stuck it out. We had many conversations about it all being worth while. Each relationship is different, in its own special way. You, taking the time to build and bond with each one.

With Tayler, you were a protective father. Making sure she was always safe, having heart to heart conversations about boys, guiding her in what she should and shouldn’t put up with and making sure her car was always in running order. You were her biggest supporter in the house when she decided to move out because you knew she was ready to spread her wings and fly.

Brayden, you bonded over sports and both of your abilities to smack talk. You instilled a gentleness in him that’s similar to yours, both caring for kids that deserve extra attention. You loved watching him play lacrosse and even though you weren’t always a fan of the sport….you certainly became one of his biggest and made sure you attended as many games as your schedule would allow, even in uniform if you had to. Watching you being engaged in conversation, laughing and being sarcastic, trying to outdo one another…will forever be etched in my heart.

We were lucky to have a few trips that were just you, Bryce and I. Bryce has always been a kid of a few words but boy….did he not stop talking when you were around. I loved watching you play and being goofy together during our Disneyland trip during COVID and our recent trip to the Maritimes last summer. Seeing how much laughter and joking went on between the two of you…how much the two of you loved to gang up on me when you were together….made our trips ones that I know he will never forget. I know this summer you talked about how proud you were of the box lacrosse player Bryce was becoming. Starting off as a gentle kid who didn’t like to hit anyone…I remember how excited you were when he layed out a few kids in that final Semiahmoo game.

While going through this process…I had to spend a lot of time choosing photos that I could share with everyone so they could see and get to know the amazing man you are. I know how frustrated you got with me whenever I pulled out my phone asking you to take another selfie with me. You would constantly bug me about my 20,000 photos on my phone and the many folders I have on my computer…but now, I have thousands of photos with you in it and am soo grateful to have captured so many of our special and fun moments.

To me, every photo is a gift. I will look at them often and remember our life as a life full of love, laughter and adventure. A life that we built together and were proud of. A life with our 6 kids that had so much more to fit into it.

I promise that I will be strong. I will continue to be there for ALL of our kids…loving them and supporting them the way we intended. I promise to become a better cook so perhaps one day…the kids will like my cooking almost as nearly as much as they liked yours. I promise to continue to watch baseball and yell at the TV when the Blue Jays are losing. I promise to still attend hockey games…but I can’t promise I will ever cheer for Detroit. I promise to make sure I get the grandkids that secret phone you wanted to, so you could talk to them anytime you wanted….and when they call me? I’ll be sure to tell them stories about you.

Thank you for loving me and showing me what true love was meant to be. Thank you for loving our kids endlessly. Thank you for your patience…I know you stood by me during some really hard years. Thank you for being a positive role model in our kids lives and for those within our communities. Thank you for showing strength, vulnerability and demonstrating to our kids that no matter how old you are….it is never too late to go after your dreams.

I will remember every kiss…I will remember every touch… and until we meet again,

I will love you. I will miss you. And I will honour you everyday.

You are my forever love and I will forever have your 6.

I love you so much
Nic

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