ELMSDALE: A heartwarming gesture by an Elmsdale family to members of the Enfield RCMP detachment in honour of one of their members has left a lasting impact of friends and colleagues of the late Const. Heidi Stevenson.
After the April 18-19 shooting rampage that left 22 dead, including Const. Stevenson, a member based out of the Enfield detachment, Aubrey, Crystal and Jarett Gottwald from Elmsdale wanted to do something special as a way to thank the RCMP for what they do. The three wanted it to be about honouring and remembering the sacrifice of Const. Stevenson on April 19 near Rex McCoul Park in Shubenacadie.
“We felt Heidi’s family’s hearts broken and her RCMP family whose loss wasn’t about losing a friend or a colleague but a family member,” said Crystal Gottwald. “We know the RCMP were receiving various donations of gifts of food and flowers, but we wanted to do something more meaningful and heartfelt for both families. “
Crystal Gottwald said when the idea of a beautiful RCMP memorial came up they needed to find a way to make it a reality.
“That’s where Barn and Broeders Steel became involved,” she said. “We thought this would be the best way for us to give back to those who serve & protect us every day in Heidi’s memory.
“A Simple thank you did not seem enough for all they have endured. We thought of this beautiful tribute of Heidi, to be commissioned, and have it presented to the Enfield RCMP to let them know we will always stand stronger together as a community, as Nova Scotians and as Canadians.”
The idea for the commissioned tribute—a large RCMP sized figure standing three-foot-high and one foot wide and three smaller figures that are 12 inches in height with a Maple Leaf on the bottom—was Aubrey’s.
“Aubrey contacted Barns and Broeders Steel in Ontario and they were so honoured to create Aubrey’s idea into reality for a memorial for a Heidi,” said Crystal Gottwald. “We have no RCMP members in either of our families and we did not know Heidi, only through the media, but we do have friends in the RCMP.
“We wanted to let Heidi’s family know and the Enfield RCMP that we will always remember, honour, love and thank them for their service.”
The three-foot RCMP is donated from the Gottwald family. When Barn and Broeders Steel heard Aubrey’s idea they were excited and passionate about this project, and became emotional as this memorial request was so heartfelt and decided to make the three smaller RCMP as a donation for the Stevenson Family in Heidi’s memory to represent the three leaves she left behind—husband Dean, son Connor, and daughter Ava, including the three Maple Leaf symbols on the larger one.
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 9)For their part, Enfield RCMP say the gesture means the world to them.
“This is a beautiful gift,” said N.S. RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Jenn Clarke on behalf of the detachment. “It will mean so much to our detachment members and the family, and to know the story behind it makes it that much more so.”
Cpl. Clarke said the RCMP members that responded to the tragic circumstances are dealing with a lot as they continue to process the events of April 18-19.
“We have a lot of support from the RCMP and from the community and that is what is making the difference,” she said. “Each of us needs time to process the incidents that occurred on April 18 and 19 in our own time and we’re doing that.
“To feel the support and appreciation from the community in all of the kind words and gestures is so helpful. We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of gifts people have brought us, and will make sure this gift, as well as so many others, are on display at our detachment to help us all honour Heidi’s memory.
“To say thank you to our community seems insignificant. We’re very humbled by your support.”
Crystal Gottwald said it’s her family’s hope the police can find comfort in Heidi’s memories she left behind and known as a community where we stand stronger together and support one another.
“That we cherish their spirit, honour their commitment, and never forget the sacrifices they make every day to serve and protect,” she said.
