A thank you from the family of Cpl. Michaud
'I RECEIVED THAT KNOCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AND MY WORLD WAS SHATTERED'
KAMLOOPS – Last month, after pulling over a white sedan, Cpl. Jean-Rene Michaud was shot several times. After a 12-hour manhunt in the Batchelor Heights neighbourhood, 36-year-old Kenneth Michael Knutson was taken into custody.
Michaud has been in hospital ever since, undergoing several surgeries and recovering. He missed Christmas with his family after he was transferred to a Vancouver hospital on Dec. 23 following a complication from one of those surgeries.
Many community members have rallied for the officer as he continues his recovery and this past weekend a fundraiser was held to help out the family.
Today his wife Colleen Michaud released a statement to media. Here is what she had to say, edited only slightly, about what their family has been through and how thankful they are to the community.
"Every law enforcement spouse fears that one day, they will get “the knock” at the door to tell us our loved one has been hurt, but most of us think “it will not happen to me." On Dec. 3, 2014, I received that knock in the middle of the night, and my world was shattered. My husband, Jean-Rene Michaud, was shot multiple times and critically wounded in a senseless and unforgivable act of violence.
Jean-Rene is the loving father of our two young children, and an amazing, supportive husband. He is a hardworking, proactive, dedicated member of the RCMP, who has a passion for making the communities we are posted in safer.
Our family has suffered a great deal of pain over the last two months, and I am deeply saddened and angry that two more families are experiencing similar pain over the recent, senseless act of violence in Alberta. These members are people who have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place. They are sons, fathers, husbands, and integral members of the communities they live and serve in. What happened to them is completely unacceptable.
Jean-Rene has endured many surgeries, countless complications with setbacks, and will still have a long road to recovery; but he has shown courage and strength every step of the way. We are finally feeling confident that he will overcome his substantial injuries, and we are hoping he will be medically stable enough to transport back to Royal Inland Hospital shortly.
Our family has received overwhelming support, not only from residents of Kamloops, but also from across Canada. Words cannot describe how thankful we are for your words of encouragement, and your thoughtfulness. Your messages have given me strength in the darkest of days, and I know they will help Jean-Rene throughout his recovery.
We would like to thank and recognize the RCMP members, dispatch workers, and other first responders who were on scene that night, as well as all of the amazing care providers at Royal Inland Hospital and in Vancouver, for doing everything you did to keep Jean-Rene alive. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Thompson Rivers University, Nick Grabas of Anything Paint and Body, WestJet, Air Canada and numerous local businesses that have contributed in many ways. Thank you to our amazing neighbors, families, friends, the people in Kamloops, and to the law enforcement agencies from across Canada for their support.
And finally, to our RCMP family, thank you will never be enough to sum up how grateful we are for you. You were there for Jean-Rene that night, and your presence not only saved his life, but also gave him great comfort. You have supported me in every way through this difficult journey, and you have rallied together to help Jean-Rene. It was heartbreaking to not be with our children for Christmas, but you made sure their Christmas was magical regardless, and for that we are forever grateful. You are an incredible family to be a part of, thank you for your unwavering support.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca or call 250-319-7494. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
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17 responses
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My prayers are with you and tour family and Cpl. Jean Rene Michaud, for a complete recovery, these R.C.M.P. Officers put their life on the line every day, GOD bless them.
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I’ve been wearing my blue ribbon pin and some RCMP pins on my World Police and Fire Games hockey jersey every time I venture out.I don’t know if many people have even noticed and nobody has asked about the pins or my jersey.However, this is strikingly similar when I consider those who don’t pay attention to the news stories of fallen police officers but who are quick to criticise the police during a shooting incident with a felon.I’m not even a cop and I feel very much for the families of police officers and I try to never forget the men and women who keep me safe even when I’m asleep in my bed at night and who are willing and ready to give their lives if necessary. I will never forget Jean Rene Michaud.
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Thank you for sharing your family’s story. Sending warm wishes for a full recovery.Thank you to all of the brave police officers who serve our great country!
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With great concern i do want to thank you for the update on your Husband’scondition, we always hear when they are hurt but never hear anymore so again thankyou you are in my prayers .
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You and your family have demonstrated great strength under extended anxiety and grief. We can all take a lesson in gratitude. Stay strong and know that all of Canada is praying for Jean-Rene and your family.
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Thank you GUS for watching over this man during his recovery. Thank you also for the support his family has so desperately needed though this horrendous ordeal. Please GUS, continue to watch over those who protect us from these senseless acts. GUS = Guy Up Stairs.
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Please continue to keep us posted of your husband’s recovery.From our family to yours, we wish your loving husband a full recovery in the not so distant future.
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Thank you Mrs. Michaud for the update. Our prayer are with you and your family for a speedy recovery of Cpl. Jean-Rene Michaud .
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Thank you for keeping us updated. I’m the wife of an ex-member so I certainly relate!We continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.
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Thank you Mrs. Michaud for keeping us informed. Our prayers will continue yo follis your family.
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There are no words that can convey how grateful I am for those who choose to put their lives on the line every day for the sake of the community.I have known numerous officers who are devout in their duty and many may never hear the gratitude of the public.These people are firstly, individuals with a unique personality, people who love them and people they love; secondly they are citizens just like all of us who wish to live safely; and finally they are people, who like all of us, can make mistakes which when addressed by themselves, make them smarter and stronger.We all owe them our support and our loyalty for the job they do and the sacrifice they all face on a daily basis.
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