The North Island RCMP Detachments wish to an extend their sincere appreciation for all of those who volunteered and participated in the Sarah Beckett Memorial Run – virtual event in Port Hardy on Mother’s Day.
Beckett, a police officer for Westshore RCMP, was killed in the line of duty by an impaired driver in 2016. Beckett was a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and colleague who has been remembered fondly for her kindness, compassion and drive to selflessly serve others.
In 2019 the first ever Sarah Beckett Memorial Run was created by her family and friends to honour her memory and carry on the good work she was known for. The event has grown and now individuals and teams can register and run in their home communities while still supporting the original event.
Port Hardy RCMP Staff Sgt. Kimberly Rutherford wanted to create an opportunity for the RCMP officers posted in the North Island to honour Beckett and the work she did while she was posted at the Port McNeill RCMP detachment several years ago. Together with the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce, Save on Foods and the Lions Club, the RCMP was able to put together a 5 km run/walk for police officers and community members to participate side by side. The clouds parted and the sun shone for the duration of the event which added a special touch to the well attended event.
“Today was a reminder for all of us that serving our communities is an honour, privilege and responsibility that we are all very fortunate to be able to do," said Rutherford. "Life is fragile but it is meant to be lived in the brightest most giving way possible and Sarah Beckett has given us an opportunity to be reminded of that and to continue to pay it forward. She made the ultimate sacrifice and it is our gift and responsibility to carry it on for her.”
All donations raised will be donated to the Sarah Beckett Memorial to assist in continuing the charitable work in her memory.
