Richmond RCMP mourns the loss of long-time volunteer Walter Tyrrell

Richmond

2023-02-07 07:31 PST

On January 31st, 2023, Richmond RCMP learned of the passing of one of its most dedicated volunteers.

Walter P. Tyrrell was born on August 5, 1926 in Blackfalds, Alberta. In 1939, he moved with his family to Australia. In 1944, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force joining the 53rd Radar Group in Northern Queensland upon completion of radio/signals training.

After World War II, Walter returned to Canada. He mounted up with the RCMP in 1951 and was first posted to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. A series of transfers and promotions followed, during which time he obtained a private pilots license, and in 1971 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant of a specialized section in Vancouver. After retiring from the Force in 1976, Walter worked in insurance fraud at ICBC until retiring from there in 1985.

Walter was also heavily involved with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets from 1981 to 1991, eventually becoming the Commander of both 692 Air Canada and 655 Richmond Air Cadet Squadrons. Upon reaching the compulsory retirement age for the military component of the Air Cadets, Walter retired with the rank of Major, but continued to be involved with the Air Cadet League of Canada from 1991 to 2011, ultimately becoming Provincial Secretary.

In 2001, Walter began volunteering at Richmond RCMP and he continued to do so well into his ‘90’s.

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic brought a pause to Richmond RCMP volunteer activities, forcing Walter to finally step back.

Walter Tyrell’s contributions to Richmond RCMP and the City of Richmond were second to none, says the Officer In Charge of Richmond RCMP, Chief Superintendent Dave Chauhan. Since 2001, Walter logged more than 20,000 volunteer hours with Richmond RCMP. That equates to more than 9 years of full-time employment promoting public safety in our community. If you paid a visit to either the Richmond RCMP’s Vancouver International Airport sub-office, or the South Arm community policing office during the past 2 decades, chances are you met Walter. He truly was a fixture here, and we shall miss him dearly, says C/Supt. Chauhan.

Over the years, Walter Tyrrell received many accolades for his contributions to Richmond RCMP, the City of Richmond and other organizations. In addition to appreciation awards from the RCMP and the City of Richmond, Walter was named a Paul Harris Fellow for his contributions to Rotary International. He also received a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, presented to him by the Lieutenant Governor of BC in 2019. He received a letter from the Prime Minister for his volunteer efforts, was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, and received a 65-year membership award from the Royal Canadian Legion.

Richmond RCMP’s S/Sgt Walter P. Tyrrell Atrium Museum honours his legacy. Officially dedicated to him during his lifetime, it is currently in the process of re-development.

Retired RCMP Staff Sergeant Walter P. Tyrrell (Regimental Number 16675) passed away peacefully in his care home facility at the age of 96.

Indeed, we at Richmond RCMP shall miss him dearly.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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