Calgary cop killer denied parole in latest bid

A cop killer who has spent three decades behind bars has failed to convince the Parole Board of Canada in his latest bid for release.

Anthony David Lawes gunned down Cst. Rob Vanderwiel during a routine traffic stop in 1992.

In it’s recent decision, the board reviewed both day and full parole; weighing whether or not the 58-year-old would present an undue risk to society if release.

The board ultimately denied both.

Lawes began serving a life sentence for first-degree murder in 1996. His full parole eligibility was set at 25 years.

Calgary Police Association president, John Orr, says every in-line duty death of an officer is tragic. But, those tragedies often lead to changes which support frontline officers who carry on serving Calgarians.

Some of these changes include the creation of the tactical team and a memorial fund working to eliminate preventable workplace fatalities.

The 1993 death of Rick Sonnenberg, who was struck by a stolen vehicle while trying to lay down a spike belt, brought HAWCS to the force.

“His family — his sister in particular — really took up the charge to get one of the first full time police helicopters in Canada,” Orr said. “The impact that has had on officer safety is incredible. Instead of chasing cars, we have a helicopter that can fly up way overhead and keep an eye on things.”

Orr says nationwide agencies reeling from devastating losses have seen similar legacies linked to fallen members.

Twelve Calgary police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Orr says he hasn’t been on the job for all of them, but he sees how much senseless loss resonates with fellow officers and the community they serve.

“They outpouring of support following one of these tragic incidents is overwhelming; members of the public showing up at district offices and bring food and cards and flowers and just lining parade routes — it’s pretty incredible to see,” he added.

Orr says he is pleased with the decision to deny parole to Lawes. He adds he’s seen how parole hearings can reopen wounds for the loved ones of those killed.

“The law recognized that the killing of a public official, and a police officer specifically, is treated differently under the law. If the victim is a police officer, it’s automatically first-degree murder,” he explained.