Calgary constable's son killed in Afghanistan
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 | 1:12 PM MT
CBC News
Samuel John Bassett, 20, was killed on Sunday after he was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. (British Ministry of Defence) The son of a Calgary police officer was killed over the weekend serving with the British Armed Forces in Afghanistan.
Samuel John Bassett, 20, was on routine patrol in Sangin in northern Helmand province when an improvised explosive device went off. He died in hospital on Sunday.
Bassett, who was born in Devon, was a rifleman in 1 Platoon, A Company, 4th Battalion The Rifles.
He visited his father, Calgary police Const. Simon Bassett, this summer before starting his mission in Afghanistan.
"He had the opportunity to accompany his father on a ridealong, who proudly introduced his son to other CPS members," said Calgary police Chief Rick Hanson on Tuesday in a statement.
"Many of Simon's colleagues were moved by the mutual pride between father and son, both of whom chose a life of service.
"To the Bassett family, please know you have the support of everyone in the CPS family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Bassett leaves his father, mother, Coline and brother, Jack, 18.
"Samuel was a real character, always the joker, he will be so, so missed and loved forever," said his mother in a statement.
'Strength of character'
Bassett's commanders also paid tribute on the British Ministry of Defence website.
"Over the last month the challenges of operations in Afghanistan had seen a remarkable transformation in him allowing him to grow in stature and mature. His strength of character came to the fore and his fellow riflemen came to rely on him," said Lt.-Col. Rupert Jones, commanding officer of 4 RIFLES.
"He regularly volunteered to lead his section, clearing the ground for others to follow. There is no lonelier job, and it takes real character and courage, but Rifleman Bassett showed that he had these traits in spades."
