Huron County was thrown into shock last week with the disturbing news that OPP Const. Vu Pham of Wingham was shot and killed after responding to a call near Seaforth. The accused shooter, 70-year-old Fred Preston of Burk’s Falls, died March 11.
What remains are Pham’s grief-stricken widow, three young sons and a whole lot of questions, which may never be answered.
There have been reports that Preston had been threatening to shoot other people, including his estranged wife. OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino praised both Pham and Const. Dell Mercey, who was also involved in the shootout with Preston, for their efforts, explaining that had it not been for Pham and Mercey, the situation could have ended up much worse.
No one really knows what was going through Preston’s mind last week, but it’s fair to say he snapped when he pulled the trigger that morning.
Pham has been described as a family man and a person who was deeply involved in his community and church. Estimates say about 8,000 people attended his funeral last Friday in Wingham, including about 5,000 police officers from across Canada. It’s clear Pham’s death left a big mark on his community and his colleagues.
What needs to be emphasized is how police officers lay their lives on the line every day to protect our safety. You wouldn’t think pulling over a 70 year old in a pickup truck would have such tragic consequences, but those are the types of situations officers face all the time. And according to reports, Pham didn’t even have a chance — he was shot before he even got out of his cruiser.
Words probably can’t express what Pham’s wife Heather and their three sons have gone through in the past week, although the outpouring of support they’ve received from the community must be heartening.
In small communities such as those in Huron County, most of us know our local police officers on a personal basis. Perhaps Pham’s death last week should serve as a reminder of the bravery our officers show every day when they go to work.