It is with deepest sadness that I must again bring you news of the loss of a member of the RCMP.
Early this morning Superintendent Douglas Coates' body was located by rescue crews searching through the rubble of the UN Headquarters
building in Port au Prince Haiti which was destroyed during the recent earthquake there. Identification was confirmed this afternoon.
On behalf of the RCMP and all of Doug's colleagues I wish to offer my profound sympathies to Doug's wife Lise, their children Julie, Mathieu and Luc, their family and friends.
At the time of his tragic death, Doug was doing what he did so well - leading an international peacekeeping operation. He was the Acting Commissioner of Operations for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.
Doug was one of 82 Canadian police officers serving in Haiti at the time of the earthquake. These men and women chose to leave the safety and security of Canada to serve the needs of less fortunate in this very challenged part of the world.
I have had the opportunity to witness first hand the passion and commitment Canadian police officers bring to their work to better the lives of Haitians, having traveled to Haiti twice with Doug and others. It was truly humbling to witness the courage and commitment of our Canadian police contingent.
In their effort to better the lives of others, Superintendent Doug Coates and his colleague Sergeant Mark Gallagher willingly made sacrifices and ultimately gave their lives for this noble cause. Doug and Mark are true heroes. They will be deeply missed by all who knew them.
I would like to thank all those who worked so tirelessly over the past week, in Haiti to find our missing brothers, and those here at home who have been working to support their effort. Your unwavering support during this tragic time has been a source of strength for Doug and Mark's families as well as their RCMP family.
Finally, I would like to thank the many Canadians who have expressed their sympathies and support for the Gallagher and Coates families and for the RCMP. Your kind words and deeds have brought much comfort.
In days ahead, we will focus our efforts on repatriating the remains of our fallen comrades.
We will work closely with their families, friends and colleagues to celebrate the lives and honour the sacrifices of Douglas Coates and Mark Gallagher.
William J.S. Elliott
Commissioner
