In 1999, after a seven-year career as a paramedic, Richard (S/SGT) knew from experience the life-saving capabilities of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). He approached his employer and the McDonald Cartier International Airport (MCIA) CEO where he worked and presented them with a plan to introduce AEDs inside the terminal. It was approved after months of presentations to Health and Safety Officers, lawyers and others involved in the decision-making process. In 2000, the MCIA was the first Canadian airport to implement a defibrillator program.

Richard trained all the first responders at the airport. He was also instrumental in implementing a city-wide AED program where all police cars, cellblocks and other areas inside all police buildings had AEDs installed. He also assisted other police, fire, military and private companies in getting their own program started. Richard was the program manager for the first 12 years of its existence. it should be noted that many police services adopted AEDs due to his championing the devices. AEDs are now the standard of care in our first aid Since 1999, officers have saved approximately 20-25 lives as a direct result of having access to their defibrillators.