Thousands expected at memorial for slain officer
The streets of Abbotsford will be lined with blue on Sunday as thousands of police officers from across the country and around the world march in remembrance of one of their slain colleagues.
Police estimate about 12,000 people — including 8,000 first responders — will attend a memorial for Const. John Davidson.
“It’s pretty important for us to come together as a family,” said Sgt. Judy Bird, spokeswoman for the Abbotsford Police Department. “Our family member was murdered. He deserves to be remembered.”
Davidson, 53, had served as a police officer for 24 year when he died on Nov. 6, shot while responding to reports of a stolen vehicle. He is survived by his wife and three adult children.
Davidson began his career with the Northumbria police in the United Kingdom in 1993. He moved to B.C. in 2006, driven, Bird said, by a love for the outdoors.
The veteran officer’s partners from Northumbria will march with about 230 members of the Abbotsford Police Department in a procession to a local arena. Police officers from across Canada and the United States are also expected to attend.
Members of the community have volunteered by hosting visiting mourners in their homes. They’ve also come together to tie blue ribbons around light posts and trees, and to mourn at candlelight vigils, surrounded by hundreds of flowers and cards laid by others expressing their sorrow and thanks.
The support has been “overwhelming,” Bird said.
“It has been truly heartfelt and we realize that our community is suffering with us. Together, we can get through this.”
Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun wasn’t surprised by residents’ stepping up to help, but said he’s proud of his community.
“I just find it heartwarming to hear some of the efforts of our residents and our community as they come together to really … put our collective arms around the Davidson family, our police department,” he said.