Dominique Lapointe, Daniel Tessier’s wife, was deeply moved by the honour accorded her late husband by Ville de Laval and the Laval Police Department.
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Moving tribute to Laval Police officer Daniel Tessier on first anniversary of his tragic death
Police building renamed in honour of comrade slain in line of duty
Members of the Laval Police force gathered at St-Vincent-de-Paul Church this past Sunday to pay homage to comrade Daniel Tessier at a commemorative ceremony marking the first anniversary of the officer’s death. More than 100 relatives, friends and colleagues were in attendance.
To add a permanent dimension to the occasion, the Laval Police Department also renamed one of its buildings in honour of the officer who lost his life in March of 2007 in a police operation that went wrong.
“It’s important for us to pay homage to him,” said Laval Police spokesperson Nathalie Lorrain. “His devotion to duty, his professionalism, his zest for life and the way he lived and died will always be etched in our minds and hearts. Daniel fought crime with determination and his efforts were not in vain."
Killed in the line of duty twelve months ago, Daniel Tessier was beloved by family, friends and the police community. “He was a party guy. He was always smiling and he loved his work,” said one of his aunts.
Into the pages of history
As a permanent reminder of the officer’s service, the Laval Police Department has renamed its training and coordination centre, located at 560, 2e rue in Laval-des-Rapides, in honour of the deceased peace officer. Tessier’s wife, Dominique Lapointe, was very touched by the gesture. “I’m deeply moved that future generations will know of his story. You are paying Daniel a great honour,” she stated in appreciation.
“We want his story to be forever engraved in the memory of the people of Laval,” added Laval Police Director Jean-Pierre Gariépy, voice dripping with emotion. “The healing of deep wounds suffered by the loss of loved ones is helped by gestures made in their memory, and what better way (to keep Daniel Tessier’s memory alive) than by renaming the building where he started his career.” Director Gariépy stated.
The privilege of officially unveiling the commemorative plaque in memory of Daniel Tessier was given to his two daughters, Véronique and Marie-Andrée.
Second death in two years
Escaping tragedy for four decades, with no loss of life in the line of duty among its officers since the city was incorporated in 1965, the Ville de Laval Police Force had to deal with two such deaths in just 15 months. The first occurred in December of 2005, when 25-year-old Valérie Gignac’s murder sent shock waves all over the city, province and nation, only to be followed by a second tragedy in March of 2007, with the loss of Daniel Tessier, throwing the community into mourning once again.
“For sure, these kinds of events motivate police officers to be more vigilant, but there’s no magic solution, it’s part of the job. We have not questioned our (police) procedures because of these deaths. In Daniel’s situation, the surprise entry (into the
house under surveillance) was undertaken according to procedure. We never know how it will unfold. It’s a risk we take every day we put on the uniform,” says Laval police spokesperson Nathalie Lorrain.
“I’m deeply moved that future generations will know of his story. You are paying Daniel a great honour.”
- Dominique Lapointe, wife of Daniel Tessier.
“We want his story to be forever engraved in the memory of the people of Laval.”
- Jean-Pierre Gariépy, Laval Police Director.
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Photo: Daniel 1
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
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(Photo: Martin Alarie)
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(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Météo: Laval, 19 juillet 2008 / 20°C
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/ Vents: 6 Km/h / Humidité relative: 88 % 
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