Police continue to investigate the theft of a bronze maple leaf from an RCMP monument in Moncton, N.B., commemorating three Mounties who were shot and killed in 2014. The RCMP believe the theft occurred sometime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 12 at The Honour Garden in Riverfront Park. In a statement to CTV News Atlantic on Wednesday, Codiac Regional RCMP Insp. Jonathan White said the memorial holds tremendous significance for police in the city and the citizens of Moncton. On Thursday, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette said there is nothing new to add about the investigation right now. “We are still hoping that anyone who has information about the theft will call the Codiac RCMP,” said Ouellette in an email. Constables Douglas Larche, Dave Ross, and Fabrice Gevaudan were shot and killed by a gunman in a northwest Moncton neighbourhood on June 4, 2014. Two other Mounties were shot that evening but survived. A retired Mountie who wished to remain anonymous said he rides his bike by the monument daily to pay his respects. “I’m disgusted really. I’m an ex-member and I attended the parade when these fellows passed away. So, it’s just heartbreaking someone would do something like that,” he said. “I go by on my bike every day and I salute these fellows when I go by. It’s too bad.” Will Johnston also biked by the monument on Thursday. “It’s kind of stunning really. It’s such an act of disrespect, but I’m sure the person who took it didn’t give that any consideration any maybe they’re just looking for the bronze,” said Johnston. Cheryl Tunney brought some out-of-town visitors to the monument on Thursday. “It’s really tragic and it’s upsetting. It’s disgusting that it was vandalized because the monument is really important to the families and the community of Moncton,” she said. The National Police Federation, the union that represents the RCMP, was also outraged and issued a statement on Thursday. “On behalf of our 20,000 Members across Canada, we are disgusted and angered by the theft of a bronze maple leaf from the Moncton Memorial Honour Garden that honours Constables Douglas Larche, Dave Ross, and Fabrice Gevaudan, three RCMP Members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Canadians,” said National Police Federation Atlantic/Central board director Pat Bouchard. Bouchard said the stolen leaf carried the fingerprints of loved ones, first responders, and members of the Greater Moncton community. “It is a deeply personal symbol of remembrance and connection, and it’s loss is heartbreaking,” said Bouchard. Bouchard went on to say memorials honouring fallen Mounties are “sacred places” that recognize extraordinary service and devotion. Nadine Larche was visiting the statue of her late husband Wednesday morning when she noticed a leaf was missing. She said each maple leaf comes from a different group, municipality or family and their significance cannot be overstated. “Our family has one. The Gevaudan family has one. The Ross family has one. There’s also one for the City of Moncton, the City of Dieppe, the Town of Riverview,” said Larche. “We all put our thumbprints in the base of the monument on the leaves to kind of leave our prints there for forever.” Police say the investigation is ongoing. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
