Saskatchewan RCMP invited the public to pay their respects to Const. Shelby Patton, the officer killed on duty Saturday morning in Wolseley, Sask.
Patton’s remains were brought back to Tubman Funeral Home in Wolseley and residents were encouraged to line up on the eastbound lane of Highway 1 adjacent to Indian Head. Vehicles began lining up at about 11 a.m.
Hundreds of others stood along the street leading directly to the funeral home.
“We thought we needed to come here today to show our respect not only for Shelby but for all of the RCMP in Canada,” said Indian Head resident Lorelei Theaker, who drove to Wolseley for the procession.
Theaker says it was incredibly sad to gather under the circumstances of Patton’s death. She says any loss is tough on a small community, but Patton’s “senseless” death cuts a lot deeper.
“I feel a certain amount of anger that a young man could be cut down while doing his duty, serving us,” she said.
The vehicle carrying Patton’s remains arrived in Wolseley around noon and drove over the west crossing and down Front Street onto Claude Street.
RCMP asked people to wear red as a sign of support.
Wolseley mayor Gerald Hill says this procession was a chance for the community to pay their respects and say goodbye.
“It’s probably the first step in healing for the community and a way to show support,” Hill said.
Hill says there is still “raw emotion” in the town and many are still in shock. He says it will take time for residents to come to terms with Patton’s death, while recognizing it will be even harder for his family.
“Tomorrow’s another day for us but tomorrow is also another day where the officer isn’t going to be coming home.”
According to the RCMP, a private funeral service is planned by Patton’s family. The force will not be sharing details publicly out of respect for the family.