Officers to parade for fallen colleague
CEREMONY TO BE HELD BEFORE THE FUNERAL OF POLICE HERO
A SPECIAL procession will be held to celebrate the life of a hero police officer who died in the line of duty.
Former Northumbria Police officer John Davidson was shot when he responded to an incident at a shopping centre car park in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
There had been reports of a possible stolen vehicle and gunfire in the area.
The 53-year-old officer, who worked for Northumbria Police for 12 years and moved to Canada in 2006, was the first on the scene and was injured. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The death of the dad-of-three has left the people of Abbotsford in shock and the city has been in mourning since he was killed on Monday.
Hundreds of friends, colleagues and other members of the public have paid tribute to the dedicated officer, who has been described as “the community’s hero”.
Now a public event, with full police honours, is being organised in honour of Constable Davidson.
The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) has released details of a procession and service to be held on November 19.
The ceremony will include a parade of uniformed officers, followed by a funeral service at the Abbotsford Centre.
Meanwhile, floral tributes are being left outside the Abbotsford police station and a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for his family.
Many more people have been leaving messages on social media. Lisa Leukefeld wrote on Facebook: “My dad and brother are retired APD officers. Every day that they went to work, this was my biggest fear. Constable Davidson gave the biggest sacrifice while protecting our city and I will be forever thankful but also heartbroken. APD will always be family to me. I continue to pray for his family, friends and the police force.”
Michelle Mailhiot said: “My deepest condolences to the family, friends and the APD. RIP Constable John Davidson. You are a hero! My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.”
And Karen Wiens added: “Thank you for serving us all. Thoughts and prayers to your family, friends and all first responders.”