The Ottawa Police Service is mourning the loss of one of its own. Sergeant Robert "Bobby" Cleroux, a 22-year veteran of the force, died by suicide Friday evening while off duty. He was a father of two and a husband, remembered by colleagues and community members as a dedicated officer who genuinely cared about the people he served.
A Decorated Career
Cleroux joined the Ottawa Police Service in 2003 after graduating from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences. He also completed the Police Foundations program at La Cité Collégiale, and stayed connected to that program long after graduating, returning as a professor and instructor to help train the next generation of officers.
Most recently, he was serving as the Sergeant for the Neighbourhood Resource Team in the Vanier sector of Ottawa, a role that put him at the heart of community-based policing in one of the city's most diverse neighbourhoods.
How He Was Remembered
Known simply as "Bobby" to many, Cleroux built a reputation for having his teammates' backs and for his genuine investment in the communities he policed. Colleagues describe him as the kind of officer who did the work because he cared, not just about the job, but about the people.
The Investigation
The Ontario Provincial Police have been called in to investigate the death, which is standard practice in cases involving police officers. Authorities say the death is not believed to be suspicious.
Supports Available
The Ottawa Police Service is putting supports in place for Cleroux's family, friends, and fellow officers. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is available through the Crisis Services Canada line at 1-833-456-4566, or by visiting crisisservicescanada.ca.
He is survived by his wife and two children. Our deepest condolences to his family and the entire Ottawa Police Service family.
Source: @shottawa.tv on Instagram. Original reporting via CBC & CTV.
