'A hole in the hearts of so many': Langley football club dedicates game to slain officer
The Langley Rams football club started its game Saturday with an acknowledgement of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and a tribute to Const. Rick O’Brien.
O’Brien was killed and two officers were injured while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam last Friday.
On Saturday, the football team had a moment of silence and said a few words honouring O’Brien.
Dana Matheson, president of the Langley Rams, said O’Brien had a connection to the team: He often attended community events and his wife is a board member.
“It’s important to hour Rick because he was a wonderful person. He was a supporter of the club. He came to every event that we did. He’s a community guy. He's a friend of the organization, a friend of mine, and just a wonderful human being,” Matheson said.
“Rick just had the greatest sense of humour. It was a little sarcastic and he was just a quirky guy, and just an amazing guy and this will leave a hole in the hearts of so many,” he said.
O’Brien leaves behind his wife and six children.
The game’s 50/50 proceeds -- half of a Langley Rams record $4,420 -- will be donated to his family, as a show of support.
“Obviously, with Rick gone, it is going to be a lot of pressure on her. So, whatever we can do as a community to ease that pressure, we’re going to do,” Matheson said.
A funeral is planned for Oct. 4 at the Langley Events Centre.
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