Saturday marks one year since two Edmonton police officers were killed in the line of duty.
The families and friends of officers Brett Ryan and Travis Jordan say, a year later, while they are still grieving, they are very appreciative of the support they’ve received from the community.
“We have spent the last year leaning on each other, honouring Travis and Brett’s legacy, while grieving the process, and processing their loss. Despite it, our people did not shy away from their responsibility they have been bound to, even in the darkest moments they showed up remarkably with a lot of resilience,” said Dale McFee, Edmonton Chief of Police. “Their spirit will continue to inspire officers for years to come.
“These two were great community leaders, great human beings, and people that we really, really miss in our service.”
McFee says EPS will be holding a private service on Saturday, when they will add both officers’ names to a memorial book.
“Our fallen officers — I want to be very clear — will never be forgotten,” stated McFee.
“There’s nobody that could have prevented this, this is one of those things. Our folks did their job, they did it well. This is one of those things, there’s only one bad person in this particular situation that chose to take the lives of our officers. And obviously there have been subsequent charges in the investigation,” he continued.
“That person is no longer here, so nobody will really know [their motive] but we do know that there’s nothing we could have done to respond differently. Our folks did their job very well and paid the ultimate sacrifice in their lives, but as I said earlier, there is only one person responsible for this, and its not by the mistake of our officers.”
McFee says over the last year, the department has added significant resources to its psychologists and nursing staff to focus on wellness and help officers deal with the emotions that come with these types of situations.
Both families also issued statements Friday, ahead of the tragic anniversary:
Brett Ryan
“We have been deeply moved by the continued support and kindness shown to our family and Brett’s EPS family throughout this challenging year. The outpouring of love, generosity, and solidarity has touched our hearts in ways we cannot adequately express.
We miss Brett every day.
Though his absence resonates throughout our lives, his laughter, charisma, compassion, devotion, and fierce love for his family, friends, and colleagues are forever etched in our memories of him.
Brett gave his life in service to others, and today, we wish to honour his courage, dedication, selflessness, and profound sacrifice. Like many of his brothers and sisters who don the uniform, he embodied the ethos of a true guardian.
Thank you to EPS for paying tribute to Brett’s legacy. We are forever grateful for your service and unwavering commitment to our family and those who served alongside him.
Thank you to the community for embracing his spirit and ensuring his memory lives on. As we prepare for the anniversary of Brett’s passing, we respectfully request ongoing privacy as we take this time to grieve and remember. Your continued understanding and support during this challenging period is deeply appreciated.”Ashley Ryan, on behalf of the Ryan Family
Ryan’s loved ones say he will always be remembered as a pillar of the community and a longtime minor hockey referee.
He lived in Spruce Grove and was always willing to give back, helping younger hockey officials develop their skills, they add.
On Feb. 8, 2024, his commitment to hockey was recognized by the City of Spruce Grove, as it confirmed its newest arena would be named after Ryan.
“Brett was passionate about helping and serving others, both in his professional and personal life, and it was a heartbreaking loss for our community and his family, friends and colleagues,” said Mayor Jeff Acker, during the announcement.
“We wanted to find a meaningful way to honour Brett’s memory and the lasting impact he’s had on our community, and in working with Brett’s family, have decided this is the most appropriate direction based on his connections to Spruce Grove.
At the time of his death, officer Ryan and his wife were expecting a child.
Travis Jordan
“On behalf of our family, we want to convey our deepest appreciation for the unwavering support and compassion shown to our family and Travis’ EPS family throughout this difficult year. The outpouring of love from the community has been truly humbling.
There is a hole in our hearts.
Travis wasn’t just a police officer but a beacon of strength. He had a profound impact on so many lives, and his love for his family, friends, colleagues, and job was palpable in every action he took.
His deep roots in Nova Scotia shaped him into the remarkable man he became, and his legacy will forever echo through the Alberta plains and the memories of those fortunate enough to know him. Our hearts ache with the absence of Travis, but we find solace in knowing that he found his calling and bravely stood alongside his family in blue to serve a greater purpose.
Thank you, EPS; we are forever grateful for all you have done to support us and honour Travis’ legacy.It has been a constant source of solace and hope during this challenging journey.
Thank you to the community; your kind embrace and thoughtful tributes have provided us immeasurable comfort. As we approach this painful milestone, we kindly ask for continued privacy and understanding as we prepare to commemorate Travis’ life and his impact on us all.”Annie Jordan, on behalf of the Jordan Family
Friends and family of officer Jordan say he will be remembered for being calm, kind, and seeing the good in people.
In 2020, Jordan made headlines after he grabbed a snow brush and clean off the car of a woman he had pulled over, and didn’t give her a ticket.
“He was passionate about giving back to his communities, and his willingness to help was limitless – all the makings of a great police officer and an even greater human being,” said Jordan’s family following his passing.
Officers shot during call
On March 16, 2023, officers Ryan and Jordan, responded to a family dispute call at an apartment complex near 114 Avenue and 132 Street.
EPS says the call was placed by a 55-year-old woman who was reportedly having difficulties with her 16-year-old son. When the officers arrived at the complex, they met the woman outside, before making their way to the suite.
Before arriving at the door to the suite, police say both constables were shot multiple times.
Police say a struggle then ensued between the mother and the son over the gun. During the struggle, the teen shot the mother, before shooting himself.
Jordan, who served with the EPS for eight years, and Ryan, who served for five, were taken by other officers to hospital, where they later died from their injuries.
Jordan was born in Digby, Nova Scotia. He grew up in Coldbrook and worked as a jail guard in Kentville before moving across the country and joining the Edmonton Police Service.
He played hockey, soccer, golf, volunteered for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, enjoyed travelling with his wife, Annie, and spending time with his dogs, Teddy and B.J.
Days that followed
Following the deaths of both officers, Edmonton entered a state of mourning.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said at the time, it was “a very difficult and sad day. Every single day police officers put their lives at risk to help protect the public.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to social media following the shooting, saying: “Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe. The news that two Edmonton Police officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues – we’re here for you.”
Premier Danielle Smith echoed Sohi’s statement, saying, “Every day, police officers across Alberta put on their uniforms to step up to protect and serve our communities. The sudden and tragic deaths of these two Edmonton Police Service officers remind us again of the dangers police officers constantly face to ensure the safety of Albertans.”
Edmonton landmarks were lit in blue to pay tribute to the fallen officers, and many Edmontonians took to City Hall to pay their respects in condolence books.
The city said Friday, the High Level Bridge would be lit blue once again for the anniversary.
Some Edmonton students crafted hundreds of ribbons and heart-shaped messages of support, in the days that followed the deaths in 2023.
Others took to placing flowers in front of the West Division police station.
A regimental funeral was held for both officers at Rogers Place on March 27, 2023.
The day was marked by bright sun, as the procession travelled from the Alberta Legislature and through downtown.
Thousands of police, emergency service members, and the military Joined the families of Jordan and Ryan at a regimental funeral service at the arena in the afternoon.
Following the funeral, both Brett Ryan and Travis Jordan were laid to rest.
-With files from CityNews staff and the Canadian Press
