Yarmouth’s Josh Cochrane uses his voice to comfort others

Video posted online goes viral with over 572,000 views as of Aug. 17

Just when you think Josh Cochrane’s heart can’t get any bigger than it already is, the Yarmouth youth continues to show us all that his capacity for love and caring is endless.

The 12-year-old was so moved and saddened by the recent tragic event in Fredericton, in which four people, including two police officers, lost their lives in a shooting, that he expressed himself in one of the best ways he knows – through his voice and in song.

Cochrane found a version of the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah that Brittney Billiot of Louisiana had previously written, sung and posted about police officers. He found the song so beautiful and fitting he decided to express his feelings by singing the song, changing some of the lyrics ever so slightly as a further tribute to those who lost their lives in Fredericton on Aug. 10. Killed in the shooting were police con- Yarmouth’s Josh Cochrane was honoured to have the chance in Fredericton to show his respect and support to city police officers following a tragic shooting on Aug. 10. He also used his voice to bring comfort. stables Sara Burns, 43, and Robb Costello, 45 and Fredericton residents Donald Robichaud, 42, and Bobbie Lee Wright, 32.

A regimental funeral for the two police officers took Aug. 18 in Fredericton.

Cochrane had special words for the police officers who died in the line of duty. “We will always place remember the sacrifice you made. We will remember the two civilians you tried to protect as well. Our thoughts are with you all,” he said in introducing the song his mother Ann Harrington posted to her Facebook page. “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

Cochrane wore his Memorial Club T-shirt, which reads Proud Canadians do Proud Things, as he sang.

“You made an oath and you took a vow, to protect and serve, you made us proud, but you didn’t do it for the money, now did ‘ ya… Late at night as people sleep, you roam your city and protect your streets … to you yourself you whisper Hallelujah.”

Cochrane’s family says Billiot, the wife of a police officer, has been in contact with them and had kind words for Josh’s performance of her rendition of Hallelujah that she, with the help of some friends, penned to create awareness of what police officers and their families go through, and the sacrifices that they make. The song is also meant to remind people of how important it is to show respect to the people who serve to help others.

As of Aug. 17, the video of Cochrane singing the song had been viewed more than 572,000 times.

“Music does heal the soul,” his mother says. “Josh just wants everyone involved with the events and the families of the loved ones lost to know that kids really do care and that they do appreciate their service to this country we call ours.”

On Aug. 13, Cochrane was invited to sing at the Hands and Hearts Across the City event in Fredericton, a memorial held in honour of those who lost their lives. At this event thousands of people joined hands to remember those who died in the shooting. The show of solidarity and respect stretched for kilometres.

“I am so happy to come share my respects and show them that people love and care about them,” Cochrane posted on his Facebook page before heading to Fredericton.

Cochrane has long used his voice (and compassion) to help soothe and calm others. He frequently appears at events in Yarmouth where he lends his voice to special causes.

At a very young age, Cochrane was diagnosed with autism. He’s used his life’s journey to show the world that people on the spectrum can do anything they want to do. He has even represented his hometown, and his country, as an ambassador at the World Autism Festival several times.

Last fall, he was awarded a 2017 Nova Scotia Human Rights award. Cochrane was honoured for his work towards fostering an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities.

Although young, his charitable work goes back many years. From a very young age Cochrane has used his musical talents to help raise awareness about childhood cancer, veterans, mental health, organ donations, stem cell/ bone marrow donations, PTSD, Wounded Warriors Canada, Hospice, Relay for Life and the Children’s Miracle Network.

By the time he was eight years old he had raised over $300,000 for various charities.

And his loyalty to his friends is fierce. He hosted two stem cell drives in Yarmouth – the first in 2016 to try to find a match for his 14-month-old friend Marlie Curwin of Sackville, N.B., who had acute myeloid leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant. The second stem cell drive came a year later and was in memory of the little girl who died in June 2016.

In Cochrane’s world, promises made are not to be broken, and he had promised the little girl he would host another stem cell drive, if not to help her, then to help others.

Meanwhile, as a city and a country continues to mourns the loss of four lives, he’s grateful his voice can bring comfort to others.