Members of CUPE 5153 are mourning the loss of fellow member Thierry Leroux, a police officer killed in the line of duty in the community of Lac-Simon, near Val-d’Or in the Abitibi region.
The incident occurred when two members of the municipal force responded to a domestic call and someone apparently opened fire on them. The other officer is being treated for shock.
Leroux, 26, had been employed by the Council of the Anishinabe Nation of Lac-Simon since August 2015. He was originally from Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Thierry’s family, friends and colleagues” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “This young man devoted himself to serving his community. It’s a great loss.”
CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury also offered condolences.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Thierry Leroux,” said Fleury. “It’s hard to lose someone so young, at the beginning of a promising career. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss.”
The Sûreté du Québec is investigating the incident. CUPE will be closely following this investigation.