Letters from the Front Lines: Vancouver Riot

A letter of hope

Dear Rioters,

First off, I hope that you feel shame, guilt and humiliation for the devastation you caused and the reputation you have given our beautiful city. To every one of you.  From those that came with the intention of starting the riot, to those who joined in. Whether you lit a car on fire, broke a store window, or simply looted for the ‘fun’ of it, or to those who stood by and watched or posed for pictures…you are all to blame. This message is for you.

I hope you have been fired from your job, or at least suspended until you are found guilty. I know I personally wouldn’t want someone like you representing my company.

I hope your family and friends can no longer look at you the same knowing what you have done and what you were part of. Whether or not you got caught up in the moment of madness, what part of you ever thought what you did was a good idea??

I hope the guilt has overcome you so that you can no longer sleep at night.  As innocent people like myself lie awake because the horrific images of you destroying our city continue to haunt us in our sleep.

I hope that the police keep their promise to publicly embarrass you if you don’t come forward and turn yourself in. Stop wasting police resources to find you. You have already cost this city enough. And I hope once you are found, you will be punished to the full extend of the law.

I hope you regret all the things you threw and yelled at the police officers,  the punch you threw at the fire fighter, or the medical personal that treated you while innocent people that were hurt had to wait.  These people risked their life protecting the city and the innocent people of Vancouver.  Remember that these will be the emergency service workers responding when you are the one calling for help. 

The images of you destroying our city will never be forgotten and I hope that Vancouver can rebuild its reputation and image. The healing process has already begun due to the amazing and true people of Vancouver. 

Thank you to all the police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, the voice behind every 911 call and police radio, city workers,  and anyone else who took a stand against the rioters. You make me proud to be part of emergency services and to be a Vancouverite.

— a Emergency Services Worker, and proud Vancouverite