Remembering Cst. Shaelyn Yang

Burnaby

2023-10-18 13:24 PDT

Two male RCMP officer stand smiling beside Cst. Shaelyn Yang outside an office building — Cst. Shaelyn Yang poses beside Cpl. Jason Wong (centre) and Cst. Damian Fleming (left) from Burnaby RCMP’s Police Mental Health and Homeless Outreach Team in an image taken in April 2022.

Statement on behalf of Burnaby RCMP's Officer In Charge

October 18, 2023 marks the one year anniversary of the tragic line of duty death of Burnaby RCMP Constable Shaelyn Yang.

Cst. Yang’s death continues to affect all who knew and loved her. While this anniversary is painful beyond measure, it also allows us to pause and reflect on Cst. Yang’s legacy; ensuring her life, sacrifice, and what she stood for as a person and as a police officer is never forgotten.

Cst. Yang had a drive for excellence in all aspects of her life.

As a police officer, she had the ability to build connections with people from all backgrounds by showing them care and compassion.

There is no greater example of this than the work she did with vulnerable people in our community, including those experiencing homelessness, drug addiction, and mental illness.

She was genuine. She was kind. She was a truly outstanding police officer who made a positive impact on our community.

Over the past year, the Burnaby RCMP has experienced unwavering support from across the country. In our darkest moments, and in our deepest grief, we were never alone.

I would like to thank the public, as well as the partners and agencies who have supported our detachment.

I am also very proud of our staff, whose commitment to each other and to keeping our community safe has remained steadfast. While some days we may struggle, we continue to support one another.

I would also like to acknowledge Cst. Yang’s family.

I have been inspired by their strength and I am grateful for their trust and the relationship we have built.

In September 2023, Cst. Yang’s name was added to the Honour Roll and Memorial Wall at RCMP Depot Division in Regina, to the BC Law Enforcement Memorial in Victoria, and to the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial in Ottawa.

Today, during a private ceremony, Cst. Yang’s name was also unveiled on Burnaby RCMP’s own cairn and the Wall of Honour inside the detachment.

It is our hope that everyone who sees her name will be reminded of Cst. Yang, and be inspired by her life, her bravery, and her service.

The Cst. Shaelyn Yang Legacy Committee, which was established in early 2023, continues to honour Cst. Yang in meaningful ways, such as the fundraiser barbeque held this summer to support Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS), a cause supported by Cst. Yang.

While this loss affects us every day, we continue to rely on each other for strength, honouring Cst. Yang through our service to the community and through the care and compassion we show to one another and to those we serve.

She will never be forgotten.

Chief Superintendent Graham de la Gorgendiere
Officer in Charge
Burnaby RCMP

Cst. Shaelyn Yang’s name on a black plaque on a stone cairn beside an RCMP officer wearing Red Serge

An RCMP officer in Red Serge stands beside a group of officers in also Red Serge outdoors in the rain

Burnaby RCMP Officer in Charge, Chief Superintendent Graham de la Gorgendiere, stands in a Red Serge beside the Burnaby RCMP Wall of Honour alongside a group of people