Thousands paid tribute to Abbotsford police officer John Davidson at a celebration of life ceremony on Sunday.
Crowds lined the streets as a procession made its way to Abbotsford Centre where a memorial took place for the officer, who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 6.
Video highlights from the procession:
The procession was led by a police motorcycle squad and a pipe band.
A riderless horse, a symbol of a fallen officer, was led along the procession, joined by a parade of blue and red uniforms of officers.
WATCH: Procession overflow crowd
The Ceremonial Unit Honour Guard marched Davidson’s casket — which was draped in a Canadian flag — into the arena.
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Abbotsford Police Chief Const. Bob Rich gave an emotional speech, describing the day Davidson lost his life in a shootout on Mt. Lehman Rd.
Video highlights from the Celebration of Life:
Davidson’s children Drew, Dina and Fay took the stage to say good-bye to their father for a final time.
Davidson’s siblings also spoke at the celebration of life.
“My brother is not still immobile in the casket there,” brother Keith Davidson said. “He’s off running up a mountain somewhere and helping someone else to get up there too,” he said.
Video highlights from the final sendoff:
Last Thursday, first responders and members of the public lined the streets to pay tribute to the fallen officer as his body was transferred from Vancouver General Hospital to Abbotsford.
On Monday, a large crowd braved wind and rain to participate in a candlelight vigil for Davidson, one week after he was killed in the line of duty.
Anyone who would like to share their thoughts and condolences with the Davidson family can send emails to a special account at apdhero386@gmail.com.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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