I was stationed at the Surrey Detachment twice for a total of 14 years. I saw a lot of thing happen and have very strong memories from those times. Spanning my career of 31 years (March 24th, 1971 - May 29th, 2002) 55 members* have paid the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. 1973/74 were tough years at the Surrey Detachment in Cloverdale. Three members were killed on duty. I of course knew Roger, Terry and John, but had a special connection with Roger Pierlet. In the summer/fall of 1973 Cst. Nels Justison, Cst. Ron Hobbs, Cst. Roger Pierlet and myself made up the Surrey Detachment Provost Section. In early 1974 Hobbs, Pierlet and myself were transferred to the Surrey Traffic Section. In the early morning hours of March 24th, Roger was shot and killed at a traffic stop just south of Cloverdale on Hwy. #15 (176th Street). We were just kids at the time and Ron and myself were devastated by this event. I later had the privilege of being Roger's mother's Honour Guard at the dedication of the Roger Perlet Overhead just south of Cloverdale. This overpass is on the new Highway #15 (176th St.). The old section where Roger was killed is just to the east and parallels the new one.
Cst. Jimmy Ng was killed on duty on the 15th of September, 2002 in Richmond, BC. My friend and comrade Ron Hobbs was the NCO I/c Richmond Traffic at the time. I was tasked by the CO's office to photograph the Ng Regimental funeral. I became friends with Dr. & Mrs. NG and met them at many of the Provincial Police & Peace Officer's Memorials with my camera.
* Volumes 1 & 2 of In the Line of Duty: Robert Knuckle.
There are may things in one's life that one tries to push aside. I have never been able to do that with these memories - maybe that is a good thing. I commend them and thank them for their service and sacrifice - "Hold the Line".
Laird;