To the editor:
I can't help but note that none of the positive of Sgt. Storey's life has been brought out by the Thunder Bay news reporting. He has been a dedicated officer, serving his community on and off the job.
He volunteered with children in the Special Olympics. He was always looking for ways to better himself and his community.
His 28 years with the OPP left him with severe PTSD, prior to the collision with Jasmine Veneruzzo.
He was on restricted duties, looking after the OPP livery, and should not have been on the highway at all. Not his call, that was up to his superiors, who have remained mute.
So much for the OPP’s support of officers with PTSD.
So concerned were they at his detachment that they lost his file.
Darryl was not capable of speaking as to his speed, that day, he was in shock, nearly killed in the collision.
As much as I feel pain for Jasmine’s family, let’s be clear here. It was an accident.
The media in Thunder Bay have maligned Sgt. Storey enough. Even at the initial trial, his first thought was to others, to spare the family the pain of a long trial, just like his first thought was to Jasmine, the day of the accident, asking about her, over the pain from his own broken body.
Much has been taken from this officer, but no one can take away the courage he has shown in facing this tragedy.
He is still my hero, my beloved nephew.
Judge Herold hopes that this case will bring PTSD to the forefront. Nobody should have to die to do that. Commissioner Lewis has failed his officers.
The OPP have failed Sgt. Storey.
Janice Cofell,
Victoria Harbour, Ont.
