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www.delta-optimist.com
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2017
The voice of Delta since 1922
Delta reviews arena safety after tragedy in Fernie SANDOR GYARMATI
s g y a r m a t i @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .c o m
PHOTO BY ADRIAN MACNAIR
Linda Hayes and other friends of Russ Armfelt rallied in Tsawwassen Sunday afternoon in an effort to keep his death last December in the public eye.
Friends look for answers It’s been more than 10 months since Russ Armfelt died in pub parking lot IAN JACQUES
i j a c q u e s @ d e l t a - o p t i m i s t .co m
Monday would have been Russ Armfelt’s 54th birthday. Friend Linda Hayes lit candles in her apartment and read from her Bible seeking strength and answers as to why her friend died following an altercation outside the Rose and Crown Pub in Tsawwassen last December.
Hayes said rumours persist in the community on what may have happened, and who might have been involved. “I want justice for losing my friend. He was a good human being. He supported people, he encouraged people, so to lose someone like that so violently is just wrong,” she said. “No matter how he died, he deserves justice. I don’t distrust the police, I have
a lot of friends that are police, but we just don’t feel confident.” On Sunday, Hayes and other friends and acquaintances held a rally near the pub to bring awareness to Armfelt’s death. Between 15 and 20 people attended the rally that was about respect and support, said Hayes. Jeremy Berry, who was roommates with Armfelt for the past two years, said the rally was not
about bashing the police, but rather an effort to keep his death in the public eye. “Lots of people have said things to me about whether the police are doing their job and I can’t really say, I’m not a cop and I don’t know how they investigate, but at the same time I don’t want to bash the police. What does that accomplish? FRIENDS: see Page 3
The City of Delta will review its ammonia refrigeration systems and safety procedures following the recent tragedy at Memorial Arena in Fernie. The city says it’s immediately scheduled a review of ammonia safe work policies and procedures along with Delta’s requirement for the appropriate personal protective equipment with all staff members. Staff has also liaised with Fraser Valley Refrigeration, Delta’s contracted refrigeration plant maintenance provider, and has reviewed related safe work policies. “We are deeply saddened by the Lois Jackson incident in Fernie,” said Mayor Lois Jackson in a news release. “We sympathize with all of those affected and seek to do what we can to prevent this from happening in our community.” On Oct. 17, three workers doing routine maintenance at an ice rink in the Kootenay city were killed by an ammonia leak. A state of emergency was declared and nearby homes had to be evacuated. Ammonia is used in mechanical refrigeration systems, including those in ice rinks. It is used in liquid form but becomes a gas once released into the air. The colourless gas is toxic if inhaled.
Tsawwassen Collision made my day, can’t wait to go for a drive.
A u t o b o d y. G e t i t d o n e r i g h t , g e t i t d o n e f o r s a f e t y a t T s a w w a s s e n C o l l i s i o n
604.943.6383
17-1835 56th St. Tsawwassen (Behind Mcdonalds) www.tsawwassencollision.com