Eyewitness accounts and thoughts from Perry's supporters who attended the 17 February 2008 rally and witnessed his arrest 

The following are some of the email accounts I received of the 17 February 2008 rally and arrest of Perry Dunlop.  They are very descriptive - I think they should be on the record in tact. 

I haven’t had a chance to get permission to reprint names.  Until such time as I do I will use initials and ask that  those who agree to their name appearing please send me a quick email 

It is done as you say in your blog and what a day it was.  Under clear, sunny skies people from all walks of life arrived and continued to arrive at 1895 Alma Road.  They stood in Helen and Perry's yard and driveway listening to speeches, holding signs and placards, cheering and offering up their support.  Around the front door  and along the side of the house were all sorts of handmade posters crafted with purpose and carrying messages of love and support as wells as decrying Justice Glaude and his minions, the Government of Ontario, and the judicial system in general.   The support was overwhelming and heartfelt. At times, there was hardly a dry eye anywhere.  

There were at least 200 people there this afternoon at the Dunlop residence.  Helen gave on camera interviews and spoke with passion and determination.  At times her voice waivered when she spoke of the man sh loves - her Perry, their girls and Perry's Mum.  Perry's Mum was close by taking everything in - such a gracious quietly dignified lady - watching her son, daughter-in-law and grand-daughters bare their souls.  At times it was absolutely gut wrenching

The RCMP arrived the first time and made their way through the throng - but they did not have the original paperwork.  They were advised by a lawyer at the rally that Perry had the right to see the original warrant.  Amid cries of "shame" they left and returned again at about 2:50 p.m.  On this second trip, I was close enough to hear the exchange between Perry and the officers which seemed to happen fairly quickly.  It was obvious that they wanted to get out of there quickly.  The crowd behaved in a very orderly manner and quietened right down.  Perry was offered a plane ticket to return to Toronto voluntarily and when he refused, the officer advised him that he had no alternative other than to place him under arrest.  Again, there was a request to see the original warrant and the response was that it was in the police car.   

Perry turned and began the trek up his driveway to the waiting police car.  The crowd filled in behind the officers, Helen and Perry, the girls and Mrs. Dunlop and made their way back up to the top of the driveway on to Alma Road.  We were told later that on his way up the drive, Perry was read his Charter Rights - by this time, I was too far behind the crowd to hear what was being said.

At the top of the driveway, the family stood together in a final family embrace.  I don't think I have ever witnessed anything so utterly and desperately heart wrenching.  All were in tears, shaking their heads as the Dunlops held each other one last time - then Perry made his way to the cruiser pausing to pick up a youngest who wanted to give him a hug and kiss.  It was a scene I'll never forget - Perry hugging this child and reminding us that keeping children like this little one safe, was the reason why he was doing what he was doing.  With that, he got into the cruiser; it backed off the property and whisked Perry away.

We were shell-shocked. We knew it was going to happen but when it did, it was like another punch to the gut.  Through her tears, Helen asked those of us who could, to go to the RCMP station to keep a vigil.  We went home for a short rest and to pad up with layers of extra clothing and headed to the police station.  By the time we got there, there were about 15 or so of us. The sun was beginning to dip and it was cooling off.  Helen left us and went home to see to the girls and to collect Perry's meds and the things he would need in the coming days.  Those of us remaining, by then, about 8, started to make a plan.  Our friend Minnie Schwarz and her two daughters, Megan and Stephanie, devised that Steph would go home and get camp chairs, blankets and some food and off she went.  The rest of us stood by keeping a very close eye on the comings and goings of the police cruisers. There was concern that Perry might be moved to either Victoria or Nanaimo without notice.  Steph arrived by at about 5:45 and we set out putting up the chairs and wrapping ourselves in blankets.   

Our movements did not go unnoticed!  Within minutes, three officers came out of the station and told us in not so many words that we couldn't stay in the parking lot.  We were given all sorts of reasons why we couldn't be there ranging from we could get hurt by vehicles pulling into the parking lot to our presence deterring others from seeking police assistance on account of people encamped in the parking lot.  They asked us to move/leave and I suggested that we take ourselves to the treed garden area and I was told that this was their "front garden" and we couldn't be there.  I replied that it was our garden too because, after all, we're helping to pay for it!  This didn't go down terribly well.  They asked why we wouldn't just leave?  M spoke up saying that we wanted to make sure that they didn't sneak Perry out without anyone knowing.  This really got the officers upset.  They went on about how "this" was an Ontario problem and they were just doing their job; that they had given Helen their word that they wouldn't move Perry without phoning her and that he was going to be  at the Duncan station for the night.  Besides, the OPP had to show up and get Perry....... 

Again, they asked what our plans were.  I said that our intentions were to stay at least until Helen returned; they asked me to get in touch with her.  I then phoned Helen on my cell and explained what we had been told and as I expected, she had many calls to return when she got home and she needed to be with the girls.  I returned to the officers and told them that Helen was in the process of gathering Perry's things and would be along and soon as she could.  This seemed to satisfy them; the officers left us and returned to the station.  Slowly, we started putting our chairs and things away.  Helen got back to the station some 40 minutes later.  We had a short chat and brought her up to speed with what we had observed.  Six of us had witnessed the officer in charge say that he had given his word that Perry would not be moved from Duncan tonight and that Helen would be called when he is to be moved.  From what I gather, they do not expect to have Perry on his way to Toronto before Tuesday morning.  The last thing we saw was Helen waiting at the front door of the station to be let in. 

It’s been an emotional and heart wrenching day.  The support shown to the Dunlops by the Cowichan Valley was fantastic!  This is what will get them through the coming months. 

Ann Yelland

Duncan, BC

The rally was a huge success with a very surreal ending.

DP

Vancouver Island

After standing in the cold for more than 2 1/2 hours this afternoon, and listening to numerous speakers, I am still trying to make sense of our country's legal system.  Please note that I can no longer refer to is as our "justice system".  All the time, we hear of dangerous criminals being released back into society, and now a man who should be lauded as  a hero has been jailed. 

 I am a Senior who has never had any involvement with the legal system, and now I am totally disillusioned.  It is just so WRONG that a decent man who was doing the right thing should be persecuted like this, and have his life and that of his family ruined.

The RCMP officers who came to make the arrest did not even bring the necessary documents with them and could not tell Mr. Dunlop what the charges were.  What a fiasco!  As somebody in the crowd mentioned,  Canadian troops are risking their lives in Afghanistan to make life better for the people there - and look what is going on in Canada.  I hope that you will add to your website a daily report of what is happening to Perry, as there is great concern for his safety.

Eleanor Montour,   

Duncan, B.C.

My husband and I were at the most heartbreaking event today, Sunday, February 17th......The Dunlop Support Rally and the arrest of Perry Dunlop.

Over a hundred supporters showed up. Friends, friends of friends and complete strangers were there hovering on every word Perry and Helen had to say during numerous interviews with media and personal speeches. Their three daughters each spoke on behalf of their dad amidst tears. many supporters also had a turn on the podium.

After all was said and done, Perry Dunlop made that dreaded phone call to the Duncan RCMP and told them to pick him up at his home. The RCMP responded with "Turn yourself in"......NOT A CHANCE! Perry wanted witnesses to his arrest. The RCMP showed up within an hour. Three officers tried to arrest him and take him away. Helen and a lawyer both asked the RCMP for the ARREST WARRANT. They did not have the paper work! What gives here???

Another point of interest during this so called arrest was the fact that NO ONE heard the RCMP read Perry his rights....we were all huddled around Perry and Helen and all was quiet at this point. When supporters asked why he wasn't being read his rights, the RCMP said they would do it later at the station......SO, WHAT GIVES HERE?!

Just another point....when Helen asked the RCMP what Perry was being charged with during his arrest - the RCMP refused to answer that question too. WHY?!

Craig and I hope and pray Perry and his family survive this ugly ordeal and that the truth will eventually come out.

I managed to get some comments from supporters before the speeches started....

Terri

We were first aware of the investigation in the 90's while we were living in Ottawa. We did not know Perry Dunlop then. We moved to BC, met Perry and he mentioned he was from Cornwall. We realized he was the ex- cop who blew the whistle on pedophiles and now the inquiry was going after him after all this time. Perry Dunlop has INTEGRITY and this all has to stop NOW!

Edith

We need to support whistleblowers who have the courage to speak the truth and shed light on wrong doing. This is an issue of conscience in doing what is right.

Verna

What irks me is that one of the alleged priests who was in Cornwall slipped into the States. The States kicked him out, he came to BC then went back to Cornwall - he has since died. The Church has done some nasty deeds.

In closing, I'd like to mention the comment the Commissioner made the other day at the inquiry when one of the lawyers stated he needed some time to gather his paper work and witnesses and didn't want anybody rail-roaded. The 'pompous' reply from our honorable Commissioner said quote "Nobody gets rail-roaded at this inquiry" unquote. What a BLATANT LIE!!!

Shirley Stephens

Duncan, BC

The rally went ahead as planned. There were a lot of sympathetic people there.

Perry and Helen as well as the children and Perry's mum handled themselves very well. It must have been very hard on all of them.

Perry called the police at about 1330 Hrs.P.S.T. and two R.C.M.P. showed a little later but had to leave again without the arrest being made because they had not brought their 'paperwork'with them.

At about 1515 Hrs.P.S.T. two police cars showed with an officer in each one. Perry was arrested in front of the gathered folk as well as his family. It was quite a surreal moment, and it was hard to believe that this was happening in a democracy such as Canada. The judicial system had a good deal to be ashamed of today, and I don't believe that this arrest of a witness in a civil inquiry will do much to elevate the judiciary and the law in the eyes of the general public. They already have a dim view but this was the worst public relation incident I have seen involving the police and the law for some time. I attach some pics of the scene at your request.

May the man in the sky look out for all the Dunlops but Perry most of all.

J.D.,

Duncan, BC

My husband and I went to support the Dunlop family today and we feel very hurt by what that family has had to go through all these years! It just blows my mind that a good and honorable man like Perry Dunlop is the only one that is going to jail!! It hurts to see that family in so much pain because of their loved one doing the right thing!! It also angers me that the justice system has wronged yet ANOTHER hero of the story! I know, as well as many other people, that the bad guy getting off the hook has happened too many times! All because people are "just doing their job" when they work hard to let pedophiles go free with only a slap on the wrist, if even that! I don't understand how people like that live with themselves!! It makes me sick!!! What kind of a society do we live in when people can just look the other way when the children of our future are being sexually abused?!? It HAS to stop! All those hurt by sexual abuse need justice! I support the Dunlops 100% with all my heart!

We love you Helen and Perry and girls!

God Bless! You are always in my prayers!!!

A. R.

   I would like to comment on the rally if I can.  First of all Way to go everyone that showed up, the support was impressive.  My hat goes off to the Dunlop family for their courage through out this.  Having my daughter (Shawna) and I hear from some of the victims at the rally made our eyes and hearts open.  To our local politicians SHAME ON YOU FOR NOT SUPPORTING US!!!. You have a job to do here and you clearly failed the Cowichan Valley. Where were you???  To our local Police Department SHAME ON YOU FOR SHOWING UP WITHOUT A WARRANT.  I heard the bystanders say they have to do their job. Well come on at least do it PROFESSIONALY.  Is this the first arrest you have ever made??? I think NOT. 

Shawna and I will fight for Mr. Dunlop, we will not go away. 

Let the games begin!!!! 

Laurie Johnson(Mother of Shawna Deroy) 

Perry Dunlop is a family friend, he is a former Ontario police officer. About 15 years ago Perry uncovered allegations of a pedophile ring in eastern Ontario. The case has now been re-opened & they asked him to go back to Ontario to testify in court, when he asked to bring his notes for reference they refused. Until now Perry has refused to testify saying he's lost faith in the justice system that may put him in jail.
         
 About 100 supporters stood outside the Dunlop home chanting "we love you Perry!!", "we support you Perry!" and "your our hero!!", I was one of those supporters.
 
 The first time the police came they didn't bring any paper work & Perry just said "do you just expect me to hop in the back of the cruiser without paper work?", so the police went back to the station to pick up the paper work. When they came back they had the paper work & Perry was led peacefully to the cruiser, Perry's family members where crying as he was led away by the police & it made me want to cry!
 
 Perry is trying to protect children all across Canada & every where, even though Perry may be put in jail he's still my hero!!!!
 
 
 This isn't some made up sob story (check the Vancouver Island news, the Times Colonist or www.theinquiry.ca if you don't believe me), & I don't want you to sign it or put comments, I just think you should know that someone out there is willing to go to jail to protect children & stand up for what he knows is right!!!! Attached are some photos and some pictures of the arrest warrant.

Jean Voller