Full regimental funeral underway for Const. John Davidson in Abbotsford, B.C., today
Thousands of people are attending a celebration of life to commemorate fallen police Const. John Davidson in Abbotsford, B.C., following a procession that began earlier today.
"We want to make sure we do it right for John," said Abbotsford Police Sgt. Judy Bird.
"We just want to make sure that we remember John and who he stood for and make sure we carry on his legacy."
About 12,000 people — including 8,000 first responders — are attending the procession and full regimental funeral for Davidson, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Nov. 6.
The celebration is taking place at the Abbotsford Centre. The 8,000 seat venue is at capacity.
"We are overwhelmed with the response. We are grateful for everyone taking the time to come here and honour John," Bird said.
A police pipe band, motorcycles and a riderless horse were part of the procession earlier in the day.
First responders, government employees and officers dressed in uniforms of blue and red paraded along the procession route with the hearse carrying Davidson's remains.
The riderless horse, a symbol of a fallen officer, followed the hearse.
Several hundred members of the public lined the procession route in the pouring rain to pay tribute to Davidson.
Barb Hunter said she came to support the police.
"Because we never know when they're going to be laying their life down for us. So I just want to thank them and show my appreciation by being here."
Davidson, 53, had served as a police officer for 24 years when he died responding to reports of a stolen vehicle.
A suspect, Alberta resident Oscar Arfmann, 65, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Davidson's death.
Davidson began his career with the Northumbria police in the United Kingdom in 1993. He moved to British Columbia in 2006.
The veteran officer's partners from Northumbria marched with about 230 members of the Abbotsford Police Department in a procession to a local arena.
Police officers from across Canada and the United States also took part in the procession.
Fellow officers say Davidson was known for his many contributions to the community including getting drunk drivers off the road, working with high school students and raising money for cancer research.
Members of the public say the "fallen hero" was kind and compassionate, even when he was handing out tickets.
Davidson leaves behind a wife and three children.
"We're not used to this level of violence in Canada," Bird said, referring to officers falling in the line of duty. "This was a shock to Abbotsford and our whole nation."
Bird said all the 2,000 blue memorial ribbons created to assist Davidson's family and set up a memorial sold out in two days.
Full CBC coverage
Tune in to CBC Radio One for special coverage with host Stephen Quinn, beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT. You can listen at 88.1 FM or online by clicking this link.
Remembering Constable John Davidson will begin with host Anita Bathe on CBC Television at 1 p.m. PT. CBC reporter Farrah Merali will also be following the service.
With files from Farrah Merali, Pierreluc Gagnon and The Canadian Press.
