Neighbors filed flowers in front of the victims' house. (File photo)
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The six-fold murder that occurred Wednesday evening in the Barrhaven neighborhood in west Ottawa not only shook the community and the victims' loved ones, it also left psychological scars on the police officers dispatched to the scene.
Even if I try, it is impossible to erase some images.
A quote from Admir Minarolli, supervising officer of the Ottawa Police Service
Sergeant Admir Minarolli, a supervising officer with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), was one of the first responders to the scene of the killing on Wednesday evening.
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Sergeant Admir Minarolli , a supervisor with the Ottawa Police Service.
Even though I wasn't nearby , I immediately had the feeling that I had better go, says Mr. Minarolli. I'm glad I did it in a way to be there and support my guys.
Mr. Minarolli is relieved to say that his team is doing very well, considering the situation.
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He is nevertheless particularly concerned about his junior officers, who may be -be less accustomed to seeing such scenes.
I checked on them, and they know that they are supported, that they can speak [if they] feel overwhelmed by the situation, he says, aware that calls of this kind can leave scars on certain agents .
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Police officers and first responders at the scene of the sextuple murder, Thursday morning. (File photo)
People are doing well, but I have to say that everything the world reacts differently, continues the sergeant, an SPO employee for 19 years now. We are human beings, not psychopaths.
You have to find the right balance so as not to get overwhelmed .
A quote from Admir Minarolli, supervising officer of the Ottawa Police Service
The day after the incident, everyone came to work, adds Mr. Minarolli. We drank coffee and tea, and we talked about what we had experienced, but everyone came to work, and, for me, as a supervisor, it's really very positive to see that .
While it can be good to be alone at home, some people prefer to go out and be active, explains the sergeant.
I can understand that some people want to take the evening off and be with their family, adds Admir Minarolli. Either way, there is no perfect answer.
Following the events, Mr. Minarolli not only had to digest what he had seen, but also answer his children's questions.
The sergeant's daughter is 14 years old. She obviously heard about the tragedy, says Mr. Minarolli.
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Banbaranayake Gama Walawwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanayake and her four children were stabbed to death Wednesday evening in Ottawa. The father survived.
Without giving him details, Mr. Minarolli answered his questions. I tried to tell him that the world is a big place, and sometimes bad things happen and there are conflicts.
We must reinforce the idea that our city is very safe, it is good to live there and these events are very rare.
A quote from Admir Minarolli, supervising officer of the Ottawa Police Service
Mr. Minarolli also prefers that his children hear the facts from him rather than creating scenarios.
[ My daughter] knows that she can come see me and that […] I will tell her the truth, the police officer concludes. It's a good opportunity to talk to the kids about what happened, and you know, I was there, so, yeah, I'm glad I was able to tell him.
Teilor Stone has been a reporter on the news desk since 2013. Before that she wrote about young adolescence and family dynamics for Styles and was the legal affairs correspondent for the Metro desk. Before joining Thesaxon , Teilor Stone worked as a staff writer at the Village Voice and a freelancer for Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, GQ and Mirabella. To get in touch, contact me through my teilor@nizhtimes.com 1-800-268-7116
