Premier Christy Clark and Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety, Solicitor General and Attorney General, issued the following statement following yesterday's RCMP helicopter crash near Cultus Lake:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of this tragic loss and my thoughts are with the family, friends and co-workers of pilot Dave Brolin, who was a civilian member of the RCMP," said Premier Clark. "This serves as a reminder to all of us of the bravery and dedication of emergency responders who work to further public safety and aid British Columbians in times of great need."

"On behalf of all British Columbians, we want to thank the emergency response team members who had been practising in the area with Mr. Brolin, and who applied their skills quickly to aid their downed colleague," said Bond. "In police work, the safety of first responders is always the paramount consideration. We know this loss will particularly touch RCMP members, and indeed all of those who work each and every day to further public safety in our communities."

Contacts:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961