Fallen Members: Surrey Police Department 

The Surrey Police Department existed from 1887-1951. During this time, one officer died in the line of duty. 
 

Cst. George McDonald 
Date of Birth: June 7, 1901 
End of Watch: September 9, 1927 
Age: 26 
Service: Three Months 

In June 1927, a 26-year-old man from Abbotsford named George McDonald joined the Surrey Police Department. He took up residence in Cloverdale and began working with the small police force (three police officers, a Chief and two auxiliary members) that began in 1887, shortly after Surrey’s incorporation in 1879. Unfortunately, Constable McDonald’s law enforcement career was cut tragically short by an on-duty motor vehicle crash. On September 4, 1927, at 3:30 pm, Constable McDonald was riding a motorcycle, conducting traffic enforcement on Pacific Highway when he engaged in a pursuit of a speeding motorist. During the brief pursuit, the officer attempted to avoid a farm vehicle entering the roadway when his motorcycle was clipped and veered into oncoming traffic. Constable McDonald received medical assistance at the scene and was transported to Royal Columbian Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries on September 9, 1927. 
 
Ninety-four years later, on September 9, 2021, Surrey Police Service and some of George McDonald’s family joined together for the unveiling of a framed photo and two engraved door plaques which will remain in prominent locations in the SPS buildings to recognize the first Surrey police officer who died in the line of duty. 
 
Constable McDonald is also among the honoured in the BC Law Enforcement Memorial and was successfully nominated by SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski for inclusion in the Canadian Police and Peace Officers National Memorial.
 

Fallen Members: Surrey RCMP

The Surrey RCMP existed from 1951-2024. During this time, five officers died in the line of duty. 
 

Cst. Adrian Oliver 
Date of Birth: March 16, 1984 
End of Watch: November 13, 2012 
Age: 28 
Service: Three Years 
 
Constable Adrian Oliver served with dedication as a member of the Surrey RCMP. Known for his enthusiasm, positive attitude, and warm smile, Constable Oliver was passionate about his role in the RCMP, serving proudly alongside his identical twin brother and his father. Tragically, on November 13, 2012, at the age of 28, Constable Oliver was killed in the line of duty when he was involved in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 148 Street and 64 Avenue while on General Duty with the Surrey Detachment. Those who knew him remember him as a kind and compassionate person whose dedication to his community and fellow officers left a lasting impact. 

In honour of his memory, the Adrian Oliver Memorial Run is held annually as a 5K or 10K race around Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, BC. This event supports Honour House, a facility that offers accommodations to first responders and their families. During the difficult time following his passing, Honour House welcomed the Oliver family, who had traveled from across Canada to be with loved ones. The run serves not only as a tribute to Constable Oliver’s life but also to support those who dedicate themselves to service, just as he did. 

Cst. Archille Octave Maxime Lepine 
Date of Birth: January 9, 1938 
End of Watch: July 19, 1962 
Age: 24 
Service: Two Years 
 
Constable Archille Octave Maxime Lepine made a lasting impact on the Surrey RCMP during his all-too-brief time in service. Over his two years and six days with the force, including his role with the Pattullo Bridge Unit, Cst. Lepine demonstrated unwavering dedication. On July 15, 1962, while responding to a call on his police motorcycle along King George Boulevard, he was struck by a delivery truck making a left turn in front of him. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries four days later, on July 19, at just 24 years old. 
 
Cst. Lepine was on his way to assist a fellow officer, embodying his commitment to duty and camaraderie. His service and sacrifice remain a testament to the risks officers face every day in protecting the community. 

Cst. John Brian Baldwinson 
Date of Birth: November 29, 1946 
End of Watch: October 28, 1975 
Age: 28 
Service: Eleven Years 
 
On October 28, 1975, Constable John Baldwinson was serving with the General Investigation Unit and driving back to the Surrey Detachment. It was late at night, visibility was poor, and after passing another police vehicle on Highway 15, he tragically collided with a horse on the road. Constable Baldwinson lost his life in the line of duty. 

Constable Baldwinson was a husband and father to two young children, and his memory lives on in our hearts and minds. 

Cst. John Terrance Draginda 
Date of Birth: February 20, 1950 
End of Watch: September 29, 1974 
Age: 24 
Service: Five Years 
 
On September 29, 1974, Constable John Terrance “Terry” Draginda was on General Duty with the Surrey RCMP, accompanied by an Auxiliary officer. While on patrol, their vehicle was involved in a tragic collision at the intersection of 152 Street and 96 Avenue, resulting in the deaths of Constable Draginda and two other individuals. Constable Draginda was just 24 years old.  
 
Constable Draginda was born in Fort Smith, North West Territories on February 20, 1950. He started his RCMP career at the age of 19, and his five years of service included two years with the Musical Ride. 

In an unexpected turn, avid RCMP memorabilia collector Tim Jöckel came across an RCMP Stetson at a flea market in Hamburg, Germany. Hoping to confirm its authenticity, Tim sent photos and the regimental number inside, #27160, to his friend, retired Superintendent Ric Hall. Ric discovered that the Stetson had belonged to Constable Draginda and worked with Surrey RCMP’s Staff Sergeant Major Beth McAndie to arrange its return. Tim, a former police officer, understood the significance of this gesture, graciously trading the Stetson for a similar one. Staff Sergeant Major McAndie expressed deep gratitude for the gesture, which honors and preserves Constable Draginda’s memory within the Surrey Detachment. 

Cst. Roger Emile Pierlet 
Date of Birth: March 23, 1951 
End of Watch: March 29, 1974 
Age: 23 
Service: Two Years 
 
On March 29, 1974, Cst. Roger Pierlet was tragically killed while on general duty in Surrey, B.C., during his final shift before taking time off to get married. He had pulled over a vehicle driving erratically, and during the stop, was fatally shot. The two suspects were initially sentenced to death, later commuted to life imprisonment. 

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Cst. Pierlet served from August 9, 1972, to March 29, 1974. He was laid to rest at Depot, where a street now bears his name in his honour. In BC, an overpass in Cloverdale is dedicated to his memory.