FLOWERS FOR A FALLEN HERO
FORMER NORTH EAST POLICE OFFICER SHOT DEAD
Shrine to slain North East officer
A SEA of flowers lie in tribute to fallen North East police officer John Davidson who was slain in the line of duty.
The former Northumbria Police officer was shot dead while he tried to arrest a suspect in Abbotsford, British Columbia on Canada’s west coast, on Monday.
The 53-year-old dad-of-three was responding to reports of a possible stolen vehicle and shots being fired at members of the public in the car park of a shopping mall.
There was an exchange of gunfire and Constable Davidson was shot.
He was taken to hospital but nothing could be done for him and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Hundreds of people have paid tribute to the hero policeman, who worked for Northumbria Police from 1993 to 2005 before moving to Canada with his wife and children.
He started working for Abbotsford Police Department in March 2006.
Scores of people, including friends and colleagues, have left floral tributes to Con Davidson outside the Abbotsford police station and a GoFundMe page has been set up by The Abbotsford Police Union to raise funds for his family.
Jim Gray, chairman of Northumbria Police Federation, said he knew Con Davidson, who worked as a 24/7 response officer in Byker in Newcastle and North Shields and later as a motor patrols officer just before he left for Canada.
Mr Gray added: “John joined Northumbria Police with me in 1993.
“He transferred to Abbotsford Police Force in British Columbia after 12 years service with our force.
“John was a truly professional and committed police officer.
“His actions are in keeping with
The first person in goes... John was the first in... he died protecting you and me Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich
the man I knew and served with, courageously putting himself in harm’s way to protect others.
“He is a shining example of the best of us. I’m proud to have known him.
“I’m sure I speak for all officers in Northumbria Police, particularly those who knew John, when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich said Con Davidson died doing his duty.
He added: “John Davidson is my hero, he’s this community’s hero.
“We train our police officers, we ask our police officers that when somebody is putting people’s lives in danger, when there’s an active shooter, we no longer wait for cover, we no longer set up teams. The first person in, goes. John Davidson was the first person in and away he went. He died protecting you and me.”
A 65-year-old has been charged with murder.