Firefighter-artist’s portrait honours fallen Abbotsford constable Davidson
In the days after Abbotsford Police Const. John Davidson’s death on Nov. 6, Michael Griffin wanted to honour the fallen officer.
The Richmond firefighter is also an artist, and his captain suggested a portrait of Davidson.
The 16-by-20-inch charcoal drawing was donated to the Abbotsford Police department on behalf of the B.C. Professional Firefighters Association last week. The sensitive rendering, based off a photograph of Davidson in his police uniform, has been shared hundreds of times on social media.
“For me, as a realist artist, I try to become what I draw, in order to get it right,” said Griffin, who studied at Emily Carr University before becoming a firefighter. “I try to breathe life into it.”
Although almost identical to the photo on which it was based, the firefighter’s portrait seems to capture elements of Davidson that the photo does not. A colleague delivered the gift to the Abbotsford Police department, where it was met with emotion.
“When I heard that, it was really rewarding. It was a privilege to be able to do that for them, to pay tribute to him in that way,” said Griffin.
The original was donated to Davidson’s family, while prints were made for the department.
On Sunday, Griffin was among the thousands of first responders who attended Davidson’s funeral in Abbotsford.