SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. — An Alberta RCMP officer who died in vehicle crash while responding to a call Monday was remembered as a hard worker with a strong sense of responsibility.
Const. Harvinder Dhami, a member of the Strathcona County detachment east of Edmonton, who was affectionately known as Harvey, died while driving to help other officers with a noise complaint.
RCMP said Dhami's vehicle hit a large concrete barrier on a road northeast of Sherwood Park, Alta., about 2 a.m.
"Despite efforts of emergency personnel and civilians on the scene, Harvey succumbed to his injuries," Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki said at a news conference in Sherwood Park.
RCMP said the crash was under investigation. No further details were provided.
Dhami, 32, was posted to Strathcona County after graduating from the RCMP training academy in 2019, Zablocki said.
He said Dhami took great pride in wearing his RCMP uniform and "we were very proud to have him on our team."
Zablocki described Dhami as mature, dependable and "so well liked by everyone around him."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter that his heart breaks for Dhami's family, friends and colleagues.
"I'm keeping all of you, and the entire Strathcona community, in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also offered her condolences to the officer's family on social media. She said the fatal crash is "incredibly heartbreaking" and has ordered to lower the flags at half-mast at the provincial legislature.
Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank also shared his thoughts on the loss of the officer.
"We are never ready to lose one of our own, and our community mourns with his family, friends and our RCMP members," he said on social media.
At the detachment in Sherwood Park, flags were at half-mast and flowers had been placed outside in memory of the officer.
Supt. Dale Kendall said Dhami never shied away from taking calls and always wanted to learn on the job, no matter the task or risk.
"He was one of the most professional people I’ve ever met," she said, adding that he also had a sense of humour.
The officer is survived by his wife, mother and two siblings.
Kendall said funeral procession details would be confirmed and shared in the coming days.
Last month, two Edmonton police officers were shot and killed by a 16-year-old boy while they were responding to a family dispute.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 10, 2023.
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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press
Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version misspelled Const. Dhami's last name based on information from police.
