Alberta RCMP officer killed in crash while providing backup remembered as selfless spirit

The Alberta RCMP officer killed in a vehicle crash last week is being remembered as a selfless spirit who volunteered his time and was dedicated to victims’ services and his community.

BACKGROUND: RCMP officer killed in collision while responding to call

Const. Harvinder Dhami, a member of the Strathcona County detachment east of Edmonton who was affectionately known as Harvey, died April 10 when his vehicle hit a large concrete barrier on a road northeast of Sherwood Park.

Alberta RCMP say Dhami was answering an urgent request for reinforcement from a fellow officer who needed backup in securing two arrests after a risk assessment.

“True to his character… Dhami answered the call without hesitation,” Supt. Dale Kendall, the officer in charge of the Strathcona County RCMP, said at a press conference Sunday.

“What remains is the heartbreaking pain of his loss, but also the kind and sweet memory that you could count on Harvey for help.”

Alberta RCMP previously said Dhami was driving to help other officers with a noise complaint.

That clarification was one of the only details RCMP were willing to share about the crash itself Sunday, adding it wasn’t certain any more updates would be provided in the future about the fatal accident.

READ: Regimental funeral details for Alberta RCMP officer Harvinder Dhami

Cpl. Deanna Fontaine specified an RCMP internal review was taking place, though it was unclear if it was a provincial or national review.

Fontaine does not believe the province’s police watchdog, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), will be involved.

“We take it very seriously when we have lost one of our officers in the line of duty,” said Fontaine.

WATCH: Strathcona County RCMP officer killed in collision Monday morning

What police did share Sunday was that Dhami was a dedicated officer who came from a family that put community service first. His sister works in mental-health services, his brother is with the Peel Regional Police and his cousin works for the Vancouver Police Department, RCMP said.

Dhami was known for his giving spirit and volunteering, which Kendall called a “foundational piece” of his character.

He served meals to elderly members of the Punjabi community in Brampton, Ont., volunteering three years with the Meals on Wheels program.

In January 2021 he was recognized by Strathcona County victims’ services for his work in helping others.

“Harvey could always be counted on for help. He was always willing to do his share of the work, and much more,” said Kendall.

The RCMP said Dhami was selected – from many candidates – to become part of the Emergency Medical Response Team (EMRT).

“His selflessness will live on in the memories of all those who were lucky enough to have known him,” said Kendall.

“We are forever grateful for his service to this organization and the communities he dedicated his life and career to.”

A regimental funeral will be held Thursday.