Regimental Funeral Services were held today in Richmond, BC, Canada, for a fallen RCMP Constable, Shaelyn Yang
As well as her regular duties as a member of the Burnaby RCMP, Yang followed her passion for helping people. That led the 31-year-old to work as a mental health and homeless outreach officer for the detachment.
Constable Yang was fatally stabbed on October 18th while on duty in Broadview Park, Burnaby. She was informing a transient he would have to move his tent.
On October 19, 2022, a charge of first-degree murder was laid against 37-year-old Jongwon Ham, of Burnaby, who remained in custody following his arrest on October 18.
Thousands of RCMP and other first responders from across North America made the solemn 2-kilometer march from Larry Berg Flight Path Park, near Vancouver International Airport, to the Olympic Oval in Richmond
It was a sea of red on the Dinsmore Bridge as the procession slowly marched across. Along the way, they passed under a large Canadian flag suspended between two Richmond Fire, ladder trucks.
Private citizens lined the route as a show of respect and support as it wound its way to the Richmond Olympic Oval.
A pipe band preceded a hearse carrying Constable Shaelyn Yang. The vehicle was flanked by RCMP members dressed in Red Serge wearing the familiar Stetson hats.
Immediately following the hearse was a riderless horse.
The procession took about an hour to make the 2-kilometer march.
Inside the Olympic Oval building over a thousand attended the ceremony.
The service was conducted in 3 languages, English, French, and Mandarin
The Official proceedings began with the "Marching On of the Guidon." The Guidon is the RCMP's traditional regimental flag and it is a part of RCMP tradition at regimental funerals.
After the Guidon was in place the casket containing Constable Shaelyn Yang was carried in.
Once inside, Yang's Stetson and a white flower were placed on top of her casket.
Canada's National anthem was sung and opening remarks were made by Burnaby Detachments Chaplin, Patrick Tracy.
The Chaplin, like those who followed, spoke of Constable Yang's extraordinary unwavering faith in humanity and her dedication to family.
Yang, only with the RCMP for three years, lived in Richmond with her wife Simone.
Her cousin, Ash Tan spoke on behalf of the family.
"Shaelyn Yang was always a hero," said Tan. "All her family and friends who have loved her and been so proud of her, we've always known this.