Wife of slain RCMP officer to host hockey tournament in his honour

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For Langley’s Nicole Longacre-O’Brien, the six months since her husband Rick O’Brien was killed in the line of duty have been nothing short of unbearable.

“I’ve had to take it hour by hour, day by day and even minute by minute,” she said Saturday.

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The Ridge Meadows RCMP constable was shot and killed while serving a search warrant in Coquitlam last September. Ever since, his widow has been longing to find a way to memorialize her 51-year-old husband, who had an passion for helping children and youth.

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“Rick being taken from us has left a huge hole,” said Longacre-O’Brien. Their blended family includes six children ranging in age from 14 to 25.

So, she launched the Joint Forces Foundation, which sets up recreational activities for police to build relationships and trust with the next generation.

“We aim to see the next generation of police officers not only as merely enforcers of the law but dedicated partners in shaping a society where every voice is heard, every individual is valued and everyone feels protected,” Longacre-O’Brien said.

The foundation’s first event — a memorial ball hockey tournament on May 25 — will feature police officers from Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam and Langley team up with youth at Planet Ice in Maple Ridge.

Registration for the tournament is now open. Dozens of Mounties and youth, between the ages six and 19 and of varying skill levels, have already signed up. The goalies on each team will be local firefighters.

“Rick lived and breathed hockey,” said Longacre-O’Brien, who recalls attending an NFL game with O’Brien a few weeks before his death.

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“We were on the train to the Seattle Seahawks game. All of a sudden, I looked over and he’s got two little boys laughing and joking around with him. Even when he wasn’t in uniform, he had this gift of being able to connect with children and youth.”

The charity’s mission is not only to help young people, said Longacre-O’Brien, but also first responders.

“Police only get to see the negative side of society, it takes a mental toll on them. These activities will allow the officers to be a part of the community in a positive manner.”

Planning the event, Longacre-O’Brien said, has been her way of ensuring that her last husband’s life and legacy is not solely a sad memory for his children.

“I want to see good come out of this tragedy.

“As I’ve sat at my computer and typed out emails or designed the event poster or logos, I’ve found a place where I’ve been able to pour all my love for Rick, and be able to spend time with him too.”

O‘Brien was a dedicated fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Longacre-O’Brien said.

“I used to call Rick Stats because he could just list off any kind of hockey statistic you could think of.”

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Born in Ottawa, O’Brien worked as an education assistant, mental health worker and youth worker before he joined the force at age 44. Within months, he was bestowed a provincial commendation and medal of valour for saving the lives of a child and other victims during an armed home invasion in Maple Ridge.

With the RCMP, he was assigned to the Uniformed Community Response Unit, which serves youth, the homeless, those with mental health issues and First Nations people in the community, and supports general duty members.

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sgrochowski@postmedia.com

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