Monday marks 10 months since four Fredericton residents — including two police officers — were killed in a shooting.
It is a day which weighs heavily on Fredericton police Chief Leanne Fitch, who is set to retire Monday.
Fitch reflected on last August’s shooting during a one-on-one interview last week.
“August 10th was a game changer for us — our community and our police department are not going to forget that,” said Fitch. “It has had a significant impact right across the board, and it’s been very difficult.”
But Fitch said she is proud of how the city, the province and the country rallied around the police force in the days and weeks following the shooting.
“It’s unfortunate that it takes tragedy sometimes for people to rally around first responders and recognize the sacrifices and the dangers of the job,” she said. “That said, I’m eternally grateful for the support.”
Nearly a year after the events of August 10, Fitch said her members continue to receive support — sometimes several times a day.
“That extension of gratitude from the public really helps to fill your tank,” she said.
Fitch said even though the force and the community continue to get a little bit stronger, there is not a day they do not think about the tragedy.
