Update From Saanich Police On GVERT Members Following Bank Shootout

An update from Saanich Police on members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) following last month's bank shootout.

An update from Saanich Police on members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) following last month's bank shootout.

One of the officers, who has been in the ICU since the incident almost two weeks ago, has seen his condition improve and was recently moved out of the ICU.

One member of the team was released from hospital on Friday.

All three injured officers are now recovering at home.

Officers responded to the call on that Tuesday morning where gunshots erupted between officers and 22-year-old twin-brothers, who were shot and killed.

Six officers suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital.

Three are members of Saanich Police and three are members of the Victoria Police Department.

Three officers were released from hospital following immediate medical care, and three officers sustained life-threatening injuries and remained in the hospital following surgery.

At both Saanich Police and Victoria Police Chief, several officers and staff were involved in the incident in some capacity and continue to recover with a series of critical incident debrief sessions.

Additionally, officers affected by the incident are participating in workplace re-integration training.

This training works to diminish the potential for long term psychological injury through a process that addresses the unique stressors officers may experience after a critical incident.

Saanich Chief Constable Dean Duthie says everyone with the force is deeply inspired by the strength and determination of their two officers in hospital as they continue to make day to day improvements.

Chief Constable Del Manak says the support from the community has been overwhelming.

Police continue to investigate the incident.