Nearly eight years after the accident that took her husband’s life, Annie Lavigne still finds it tough to attend functions where Glen Evely is recognized.
Evely, a Vernon RCMP auxiliary constable, was killed on duty on Nov. 13, 2004 while in a police car patrolling an area in downtown Vernon where there was a report of a stolen vehicle and high-speed pursuit. Evely was killed when the stolen vehicle collided with the police car.
Lavigne accepted the RCMP Memorial Memento, a sterling silver medallion handcrafted by the Royal Canadian Mint in honour of fallen members’ memories, at the RCMP E Division (B.C.) Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals and Long Service Awards Ceremony Wednesday at the Prestige Hotel in Vernon.
“It’s very emotional but it’s also an honour,” said Lavigne following Wednesday’s presentation from B.C. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens. “It’s an honour that the city and the RCMP recognize my husband for what he did. Even though he lost his life, he was doing what he loved, and we (two kids) do miss him.
“It’s not always easy to come to these things but we appreciate what they do and it’s an honour.”
Helping to ease the pain somewhat was the fact that Evely’s partner the night he was killed – Const. Frank Grenier – received his 25-year Bronze Clasp for service.
Grenier was seriously injured in the accident.
“I thought that was great,” said Lavigne. “They are a good family and stick together, it’s very honourable.”
More than 100 officers, auxiliaries, retired members and civilian employees were honoured with either the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal or Long Service Award medallions and pins.
Members from the Vernon-North Okanagan detachment picking up Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals included:
Supt. Reg Burgess; Insp. Jim McNamara; Sgt. Dave Evans; Sgt. Robb Daly; Cpl. Mark Taylor; Cpl. Trevor Tribes; Const. Jonathan Klassen; Auxiliary Const. Dale Fennell.
A 20-year Long Service Medal was presented to Cpl. Gerry Kovacs, while Daly, along with Grenier, earned 25-year Bronze Clasps.
Sgt. Keith Ferguson and Sgt. Bruce Robertson (retired) received their 30-year Silver Clasps.
Every recipient was presented his/her honour by Callens.
“It’s always a privilege for me to attend ceremonies such as this one,” said Callens.
