Wheelchair ramp returned

RCMP reinstall ramp on van after finding only few blocks from her home.

Louise Kirk was thankful for the RCMP's help in returning her ramp that allows her to put her wheelchair into her van.

Louise Kirk was thankful for the RCMP's help in returning her ramp that allows her to put her wheelchair into her van.

Louise Kirk will be able to go camping this spring, thanks to the RCMP.

Kirk, 67, is partially paralyzed because of polio and gets around in an electric wheelchair. She usually fastens the chair to a steel ramp on the back if her van to get around, including to the camp ground at Rolley Lake, her favorite camping spot.

She recently lent her van to a friend, though, for a doctor’s appointment, and overnight the ramp was stolen.

Kirk was concerned afterwards about how she would commute, because she couldn’t afford to replace the $1,500 ramp.

But RCMP, responding to calls, located the ramp, just a few blocks from her home.

Police officers not only returned it to her, then reinstalled the ramp on her van and purchased a locking pin to prevent another theft.

“Yes, we’re happy to report the ramp has been recovered and returned. Officers were so happy with this that they purchased a locking pin and put it back on the victim’s vehicle,” said Dan Herbranson, civilian media coordinator for the RCMP.

Kirk is grateful for their help.

Tips

Police continue to investigate the theft. Anyone with any information regarding suspects is asked to call Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251

Maple Ridge News