Qualicum Beach Fire Department (QBFD) and Emergency Management Oceanside (EMO) have been recognized for supporting police while they investigated a triple murder in a rural area of Qualicum Beach.
A large scale investigation was launched involving Oceanside RCMP and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) after three bodies were found near Melrose Forest Service Road in November 2020.
Normally, investigators would have worked out of the local RCMP detachment. However, hosting over 30 investigators in the Oceanside detachment during the COVID-19 public health crisis proved impractical, according to a media release by the Town of Qualicum Beach.
QBFD and EMO offered access to the town’s fire hall to act as a command centre. This provided the RCMP and VIIMCU a secure location close to the scene that could accommodate safe distancing and access to secure technology while they investigated, the release said.
The RCMP Major Crimes Section awarded the QBFD and EMO with a certificate of appreciation in a ceremony on Dec. 8. It was presented by Chief Superintendent Elija Rain (Officer in Charge of “E” Division Major Crime Section) and reads, “On behalf of the RCMP Major Crime Section, I would like to recognize the valuable support provided to the VIMCU by the staff and volunteers of the QBFD and the EMO team during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The town said it is proud to have been able to assist during the investigation and is grateful to members of QBFD and EMO for their quick actions, collaboration and support.
