Vancouver Island first responders attending fallen Abbotsford officer’s celebration of life

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WATCH: Police estimate about 12,000 people, including 8,000 first responders, will attend a memorial for Const. John Davidson. Among them,will be first responders from Vancouver Island. Isabelle Raghem reports. 

Sunday will be one of the rare occasions when Central Saanich police take their ceremonial flag off of Vancouver Island and onto the mainland.

“Central Saanich tomorrow, we have about nearly half of our department that is heading to Abbotsford,” said Central Saanich Police Sgt. Paul Brailey on Saturday.

Ten of their officers will be in a procession on Nov. 19 to honour Const. John Davidson.

“We can’t fathom to understand what they’re going through but we want to make sure we show our support for them and let them know we’re thinking of them,” added Sgt. Brailey.

The 53-year-old was killed on Nov.6 while trying to stop a suspected car thief who allegedly opened fire in the parking lot of a strip mall.

“As a newer police officer, it’s important for me to go and support go support Constable Davidson’s family, the Abbotsford Police Department and all my new brothers and sisters in the policing community,” Central Saanich Const. Jessica Houghton said.

“I think it makes us all aware of the dangers of career but also the impact that we can have on our community.”

Officers from Oak Bay Police, VicPD and Saanich Police are also attending the procession.

Isabelle RaghemIsabelle Raghem

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