RCMP officer shot in Alberta has Nova Scotia roots

HALIFAX – First responders in Nova Scotia are sending their support to RCMP Const. David Matthew Wynn, one of two officers shot in a community just outside Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday.

Wynn used to live in Bridgewater, N.S. and worked with various organizations.

On Saturday, Wynn and fellow officer Aux. Const. Derek Walter Bond were confronting a suspect about a stolen vehicle at the Apex Casino in St. Albert, when the suspect opened fire.

Bond, 49, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but has since been released. Wynn, 42, was described by RCMP as being in “very grave” condition.

READ MORE: Wounded St. Albert Mountie David Wynn not expected to survive: RCMP

Wynn worked as a paramedic and Canadian Red Cross first aid instructor in Bridgewater.

“The RCMP officers, their colleagues and family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers tonight.  It is a terrible tragedy,” wrote Emergency Medical Care Inc. spokeswoman, Stacey Brown, in an e-mail.

Bridgewater Police also confirmed in a statement that one of the officers shot is well-known and respected by them.

“For many years, we worked side by side with him in his former career as an EHS paramedic in Bridgewater. When he made the decision to switch careers and join the RCMP, we supported him,” it read.

“Today’s events have greatly saddened all of our members.”

READ MORE: Suspect in St. Albert RCMP shooting dead; wounded officers identified

Premier Stephen McNeil sent a message of support to Wynn’s family on Sunday evening.

“He helped Nova Scotians in their times of need for years and has served bravely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I’m sure I speak for the entire province when I say we are thinking of him,” it read.

According to the premier, it’s reported Wynn was among the first responders after the Swissair Flight 111 airplane crash in 1998.

The Canadian Red Cross also posted a message on Twitter saying their thoughts are with the RCMP in Alberta, and that Wynn used to serve as a first aid instructor and trainer in Bridgewater.

St. Albert is a suburb of Edmonton.