RCMP Cst. Wael Audi is still in the hearts of many Sea to Sky residents. Audi, who died in a car accident while on duty in 2002, was remembered at a ceremony held by his former colleagues, who created an award in his name and dedicated a memorial marker at the RCMP building on Finch Drive Friday (Sept. 26). "May this stone marker to all who see be reminded of the service and sacrifice of Wael Audi," said Chaplain Jim Turner to a large group of colleagues and friends on the front lawn of the Squamish Detachment. Guests watched RCMP march in line towards the unveiling while their highly trained police dog barked out "left, right, left," to keep time.During the service Sgt. Shawn Coady of the Police and Peace Officer's Memorial Ribbon Society presented a new award named after Audi for outstanding commitment to working with youth in and out of communities.The plaque is a memorial ribbon embroidered at the top with the words "Remember our fallen heroes," and below there is a photo of Audi."We are here to recognize that during Weal's life in the RCMP and his time in the Squamish community he recognized the potential of youth and encouraged their participation in community crime prevention," said Coady.Guest speakers included Squamish resident Mohammed Afsar, deputy commissioner of the Pacific Region Gary Bass, and Mayor Ian Sutherland, who spoke of Audi's charity initiatives and his commitment to youth."You give but little when giving up your possessions, but when you give of yourself, you truly give," said Afsar.Afsar also spoke for Audi's family, who live in Brantford, Ont. The family wished to express their thanks for the dedication, but could not be there because they were in the middle of the Islamic holy month for fasting. Bass said he was in Surrey last weekend at the B.C. Police and Peace Officer Memorial Service where he heard Audi's name along with the106 B.C. officers that had fallen in the line of duty."Const. Audi was a dedicated member of the RCMP who proudly served the people of Canada and did so with enthusiasm, humility and professionalism," said Bass.Audi's name is also engraved in the Cenotaph site of the RCMP cemetery in Regina, Sask., where he trained.Audi died March 29, 2002 while on duty, crashing into a chartered bus while making a u-turn on Highway 99.Audi was respected by the Squamish community for initiating a number of charity fund-raisers, such as the annual Christmas lunch for the less fortunate and Balding for Dollars campaign, and for founding the Squamish/Youth Community Services Volleyball League.
