Funeral for slain Abbotsford officer expected to be ‘very emotional’ event

The funeral for fallen Abbotsford police officer Const. John Davidson will be a family gathering of sorts for the more than 6,000 first responders expected to attend.

“This is when all our family gets together to pay tribute and say goodbye to our brother,” said Abbotsford Police Sgt. Judy Bird.

Davidson was killed during a shootout on Nov. 6.

Davidson’s celebration of life at the Abbotsford Centre will be proceeded by a procession of uniformed law enforcement officers through the city. Thousands of first responders from across North America are expected to attend, while citizens are encouraged to line the route in honour of a fallen hero. The funeral will be open to the public.

Here are four things to know about Sunday’s memorial:

1 The procession route

The procession will begin at 11:30 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 19) on McCallum Road near McDougall Avenue. Abbotsford Police expect between 6,000 to 8,000 first responders to attend, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, sheriffs, correctional officers and military personnel.

First responders will be shuttled to the staging area, where they will line up and march about two kilometres to the Abbotsford Centre. The route will be decorated by a committee of APD officers’ spouses.

The procession will head south along McCallum Road, crossing Marshall Road and travelling over Highway 1, before turning left onto King Road.

It will continue east for about a block before arriving at the Abbotsford Centre.

2 Where to park

The University of the Fraser Valley is providing free parking near the Abbotsford Centre (33844 King Rd). More parking is available at Central Heights Church (1661 McCallum Rd). McCallum Road and several surrounding streets will begin to be closed to traffic at 10 a.m.

3 How to watch

The celebration of life starts at 1 p.m. The public is welcome at the Abbotsford Centre, but first priority will be given to family and first responders. Overflow viewing will be available at UFV’s Envision Athletic Centre (1395 McKenzie Rd.) and Central Heights Church (1661 McCallum Rd).

The service will also be live streamed by several media outlets, including Global News.

4 What to expect

Former Delta Police Chief Jim Cessford said the procession will be “very emotional.”

During his career, he attended several funerals, including two for officers that he worked with. He also went to the funeral for four fallen police officers in Mayerthorpe, Alberta in 2005.

“First responders really pull together to show their support for one another,” he said. “We’re all in this together.”

The memorial is also an opportunity for citizens to show their gratitude.

“It’s overwhelming to see the crowds. People holding hands and weeping. It’s a way to say we’ll never forget the sacrifice he made.”

The funeral, a police honours service, will include a flag folding ceremony and pipe band.