January 16, 2010
Mountie killed in Haiti coming home
By JOE WARMINGTON and PETE FISHER, TORONTO SUN

The body of an RCMP officer killed when the earthquake struck Haiti should be back on Canadian soil this week.

A source tells the Sun that plans are underway to repatriate Sgt. Mark Gallagher on Wednesday or Thursday. "He will be brought to CFB Trenton in the same fashion fallen soldiers are," the source said.

Military officials are working with the RCMP on the details but the source says the Mounties are taking the lead on how it is handled.

"There will be police on hand and I suspect he will be transported to Toronto along the Highway of Heroes," the source stated.

It isn't clear yet if the plane will carry other Canadians who died there.

"Right now the priority in Haiti is more on the living than the dead and any plans could change," the source said.

RCMP spokesman Sgt. Marc LaPorte could not confirm the information but said he would as soon as he is apprised of any plans.

On Friday the RCMP announced there was still no new information on missing RCMP Supt. Douglas Coates.

"The search and rescue operation continues at full pace -- all means are being exhausted to find him," RCMP Commission William Elliott stated.

Elliott also said the removal of Gallagher's body has been delayed because the residential structure where he was found is unstable.

"Experts have been assigned to assess the site and determine the best approach to safely recover Mark’s remains," Elliott stated. "Officers are securing the site until this can be carried out."

CANOE.CA