Police Christmas card honours fallen officer
The Abbotsford Police Department is taking a different approach this year to its annual Christmas card, using the opportunity to say thank you in honour of a fallen comrade.
In previous years, the APD has frequently used its holiday greeting as a chance to warn those on the naughty list — organized crime and gang associates — of what could happen if they didn’t make a switch over to the nice list.
The cards have been popular with the public and garnered media attention for their unique take on communicating with criminals.
This year’s card, however, communicates a softer message of thanks, following the death of an Abbotsford officer in the line of duty earlier this year.
The card, titled Operation Resolution, features APD Chief Const. Bob Rich dressed as Santa Claus kneeling in front of a lit Christmas tree. He is flanked to his left and right by police officers from various forces from across the Lower Mainland.
“From all of us at the APD to all of you, the wonderful people who supported us in our time of need,” the card reads. “Your thoughts, prayers and actions are so appreciated. “Bless you and your family this Christmas.” Under the message, the badges for various police and first responder badges are included.
On Nov. 6, Abbotsford police received a report of a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a shopping complex. A suspect who returned to the vehicle as police were arriving then began shooting at the caller who reported the stolen car.
Const. John Davidson was among those who responded to the call and was critically injured before being pronounced dead in hospital. He was 53 and is survived by three adult children.
A funeral on Nov. 19 in Abbotsford was attended by thousands of uniformed officers and members of the public.
“Everybody came to do everything they could for John,” Rich had said during his remarks at the funeral. Their beacons of light “have overwhelmed the darkness this evil man wrought upon our city.”