The family of one of two police officers killed during today’s shooting in Fredericton has identified him as 45-year-old Lawrence Robb Costello.
Jackie McLean says a police inspector told the family this morning that her common-law partner was among the four people who died in the incident.
Costello would often tell his spouse that no matter what happened to him on the job, he would always come home. On Friday, the Fredericton officer didn’t return.
Instead, police showed up at McLean’s home to tell her the 45-year-old was among four people killed in a shooting that took place in a quiet residential neighbourhood.
“This is the first day he did not come back home,” McLean, Costello’s common-law partner, told The Canadian Press in an interview. “I am having a really hard time envisioning my life without him.”
Chief Leanne Fitch said he was a 20-year veteran of the force and has four children.
McLean says the couple had been together for four years. She released a statement Saturday describing her partner as “my soulmate, my best friend and the light of my life.” She discussed how passionate he was about his work as a constable and – while she thanked the community for the kind messages – asked for privacy to mourn during this difficult time.
“I have received many requests from media wondering what kind of a person Robb Costello was. I am grieving and need some privacy, but wanted to share this with you,” her statement began.
“Robb was the single most positive person I have ever met; and that was obvious to everyone who met him. He had a special way of dealing with people – fair, but strong and tough when needed. He was the only officer I’ve ever known to write a ticket and have the recipient thank him for it. Robb spent years working in a specialized unit, that dealt with some tough investigations – which would faze most – but Robb was dedicated to helping others, and did the job with passion and the utmost professionalism, and always came home with a smile on his face.”
Fredericton police have one person in custody and say there is no further threat to the public after the incident in the city’s north side that began at about 7 a.m.
Police said the suspect was also being treated for serious injuries.
The second officer who was killed during the shooting was identified as Const. Sara Burns. The other two victims’ identities were not release pending notification of the families.
*with files from Global News and the Canadian Press.