APD on the mend, several months after officer was shot and killed

ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – It’s been a difficult six months for local officers, but especially for members of the Abbotsford Police Department.

It’s been nearly six months since one of their own was shot and killed in the line of duty.

There’s no doubt members will never forget Nov. 6, 2017. That was the day Constable John Davidson was shot to death while responding to reports of a car theft near a strip mall on Mount Lehman Road.

Counselling has been made available to members and APD Deputy Chief Mike Serr says the support has been overwhelming. But it takes time to heal.

“Our members reached out to each other — there was a lot of support within the department. Police officers from all over North America and certainly in the Lower Mainland were just unbelievable in the support they provided us. It was a very, very difficult time for us but through it, we’ve found a way to find our strength to ensure we give back to the community, that we’re here for the community and doing what it takes to keep this city safe.”

He adds as difficult as this process has been, the death of the 53-year-old officer has not and will not break them. “We’ve learned a lot about resiliency and trying to manage after a crisis and I think that certainly isn’t the way you want to learn is through a tragedy, but we’re a strong department.”

Related articles:

Officers cleared of wrongdoing after Abbotsford shooting last November

APD Christmas card honours fallen officer this year

Police officer killed in Abbotsford shooting described as a hero

Immediately following Davidson’s death, local police departments stepped up to help patrol the streets of Abbotsford so APD officers could take some time for themselves and to attend Davidson’s memorial service.

“Every police department in the Lower Mainland… We were getting calls from police officers just showing up and saying, ‘We want to work for your members tonight.’ It was just such a relief that all of us were able to take some time. Having other police departments patrolling our streets was just amazing. It truly gave us strength that we know our brothers and sisters within policing had our backs when we needed them the most.”

Davidson’s accused killer, Oscar Arfmann, who is from Alberta, has been charged with first-degree murder. His eight-week trial by jury is set to begin on Jan. 21, 2019 at BC Supreme Court in New Westminster.

Meantime, a GoFundMe page set up to help Davidson’s family is still active and is shy of its $200,000 goal.

Cops for Cancer

John Davidson had been with the APD for over a decade and prior to that he was an officer in the UK. He worked with youth in the community and participated in the 2017 Cops for Cancer Ride, which raises money for children afflicted with the disease.

This year’s ride will include Constable Renae Williams, one of the APD’s collision re-constructionists and Davidson’s partner on the beat.

“John had a deep love for this cause and a fire was lit in him as a member of the 2017 Tour De Valley. John worked tirelessly to raise as much money as he could and told me there was no embarrassment line he wouldn’t cross if it meant raising money for children fighting this disease.”

Click here to donate to Cst. Williams and to learn more about the event.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today