Thousands of police officers and first responders from across the country are expected to attend a regimental funeral Saturday for two Fredericton constables killed in the line of duty, in what’s expected to be a strong show of support for a municipal police force in mourning.
Martin Gaudet, deputy police chief in Fredericton, said Wednesday that organizing the event is a “monumental task” as members of the force grieve the loss of constables Robb Costello and Sara Burns.
“The hardest thing for me in regards to arranging all of this is to simply move on one hour at a time or one day at a time,” he said Wednesday outside the Fredericton police department.
“We are going to celebrate their lives and we’re going to do it with dignity and with respect. That’s the task and we’re not going to fail.”
WATCH: Fredericton Police describe ‘monumental task’ of planning funerals for slain officers
He said a large portion of those who gather at the Aitken University Centre will be uniformed officers from around the country.
“We are expecting thousands of law enforcement personnel and first responders from around the continent to join us to pay tribute to our fallen officers,” Gaudet said.
The police constables were gunned down during a shooting at a north end Fredericton apartment complex Friday that also claimed the lives of Bobbie Lee Wright and Donnie Robichaud.
The Burns family issued a statement Wednesday, explaining that they have been quiet only because she was “the most private person any of us have ever met.”
“All this attention would be terrifying to her,” said her husband, Steven Burns.
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“Instead she would want each and every person who is grieving to know that she absolutely loved what she did for a living and the most important people in her world were her two families, her immediate family and the Fredericton Police Force.”
WATCH: Thousands of police officers from across Canada are expected to converge on Fredericton on Saturday for a regimental funeral for fallen officers Const. Robb Costello and Const. Sara Burns, who died during Friday’s shooting. Morganne Campbell reports.
He said she could “brighten a room with her smile in an instant and make anyone feel at ease seconds later with just a few words.
“Sara was put on this earth to help people and everything she has ever done in life was to help people,” Burns said. “We are so proud of the person and human being that she was, and we will miss her dearly.”
The family has created a memorial fund in Sara Burns’ name through the Fredericton Community Foundation. The proceeds will be used to make Fredericton police officers and the community at large safer.
Donations can be made at the Fredericton Community Foundation.
He added that, “Sara would insist that the Bobbie Lee Wright and Donald Adam Robichaud not be forgotten because their family and friends are grieving no less and their lives are no less important.”
READ MORE: Woman recounts terrifying moments after gunshots rang out in Fredericton shooting
Although the regimental funeral is not open to the public due to space constraints, public gatherings to view the funeral will be held at the Grant-Harvey Centre and the Hope City Church.
The public is also encouraged to line the streets of Fredericton for a parade procession made up of police officers and first responders that will precede the funeral.
A public visitation for Burns and Costello is being held Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the ballroom of the Fredericton Convention Centre.
Meanwhile, a public visitation is being held Wednesday for another one of the victims of the deadly shooting spree at a Fredericton apartment complex.
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Fredericton apartment residents allowed to return home -
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Residents move back into apartment complex after deadly Fredericton shooting -
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Tenant at Fredericton complex where shooting took place wants to move out -
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Accused Fredericton gunman described as “lonely” and “ignorant” -
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Sussex Corner remembers fallen Fredericton police officer Robb Costello
In an obituary published by Carleton Funeral Home in Jacksonville, N.B., Bobbie Lee Wright is remembered as a compassionate person who loved to help others.
The obituary says Wright graduated from Canterbury High School in 2003 and from New Brunswick Community College with a diploma in medical office administration in 2008.
The 32-year-old woman had previously worked on a tree farm, catered and worked in an office before embarking on a career as a home support worker.
“She found the good in everyone and in every situation, and put others before herself,” the obituary said. “She enjoyed camping, tubing, bonfires and late nights spent making memories and reminiscing with friends and family.”
A public visitation for Wright is set for Wednesday between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., although there will be no funeral service by request.
Matthew Vincent Raymond has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
He is set to appear in court on Aug. 27.
READ MORE: Accused in Fredericton shooting described as quick to anger and a problem for N.B. shop owner
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