The editor:
Having had an opportunity to read Mayor Roy Ludwig’s remarks, the Pierson family would like to take this opportunity to respond and correct any misinformation presented.
Although the Pierson family would like to believe the mayor and the board of police commissioners’ intentions are genuine and heartfelt, the evidence is to the contrary given Jay and his family’s experience over the past four years.
It is our opinion that Estevan City Police Chief Paul Ladouceur and Deputy Chief Murray Cowan did not support Jay with regards to his mental health. In addition to being unsupportive, we feel that these two men went out of their way to discredit Jay and his career.
Rather than taking a proactive stance and offering help to Jay in his time of need so that he could focus on his treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the actions of the administration debilitated him further. The administration forced Jay, who was already dealing with so much, to defend himself, and his diagnosis, in order to receive Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) benefits which were essential to support his family.
It is our opinion that this attack targeted Jay’s character and mental health diagnosis and not only stripped Jay of his identity and dignity, but also played a significant part in Jay’s inability to “get well.”
Given the administration’s prolonged and unrelenting attack on Jay’s reputation, it is hard for us, as Jay’s family, to believe that the board of police commissioners was not aware of the actions of Chief Ladouceur and Deputy Chief Cowan. Therefore, it is our request that there be a formal process outlined as to how the police board plans to investigate these transgressions against Jay.
In addition, Jay’s family would like to have a chance to share with the police board what Jay endured over the past four years to help ensure that other officers, and their families, do not experience what Jay and his family have gone through. It is quite shocking to us that the administration and the board were unaware of the symptoms of PTSD and what had transpired over the last four years in regards to Jay’s treatment by the chief and deputy chief. Perhaps for the good of the rest of the Estevan Police Service, education is this area could be instituted.
The Pierson family is typically very private but the untimely and tragic loss of Jay has compelled us to speak out. We feel that for there to be complete transparency in this matter, we have also included the Estevan Mercury as it is the Pierson family’s opinion that the community of Estevan has a right to know where we stand.
We look forward to a response.
Kelly and Amanda Pierson
