Premier Offers Condolences on Death of RCMP Officer in Haiti

Premier Darrell Dexter expressed sadness over the death of a former Nova Scotia RCMP officer who was killed when a massive earthquake struck Haiti earlier this week.

The RCMP confirmed today, Jan. 14, that the body of Sgt. Mark Gallagher was found in the rubble of his apartment building in Port-au-Prince.

"This is a tremendous loss to the RCMP, to Nova Scotia, and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing Sgt. Gallagher," Premier Dexter said. "He was a fine officer who always put the welfare of others before himself.

"It was this selflessness that led him to volunteer in Haiti. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends."

Sgt. Gallagher served as a spokesperson for the Nova Scotia RCMP until last summer, when he left to volunteer with the United Nations in Haiti. He was one of 82 Canadian police officers helping to train the police force in Port-au-Prince.

Justice Minister Ross Landry, a former RCMP officer, offered condolences to his former colleagues.

"Sgt. Gallagher was a fellow officer, and I am deeply saddened by this," Mr. Landry said. "The RCMP is like a brotherhood and when one of your own is killed while doing his job, it is felt by all of us."

Premier Dexter announced earlier today that Nova Scotia will donate $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help with the relief effort.