GoFundMe page set up for family of Abbotsford officer killed this week

ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – Two days after his death, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of Abbotsford Police officer who was killed in the line of duty earlier this week.

Constable John Davidson was shot to death on Monday in Abbotsford as police tracked down a suspect linked to reports of a stolen vehicle. Davidson, originally from the UK, had been an officer for 24 years and spent the last 11 years of his career with police in Abbotsford.

There has been an outpouring of support on the GoFundMe page, which comes as no surprise to Constable Daryl Young, who set the page up on behalf of the Abbotsford Police Union.

“It’s not surprising, just knowing what kind of person John was and what he meant to the community and fellow officers,” he tells us.

“When I scroll through the names of the people that are donating, I don’t recognize a lot of the names, which shows me that there’s a lot of support coming from the community and [there are] people that John touched that we don’t even know who they are. They just feel the need to help and that’s quite comforting.”

As of Thursday morning, the donations have added up to over $50,000.

“Probably everybody’s been through tragedy in their lives and they know how much it eases the burden when you’re not having to worry about bills or financial things — you can concentrate on things much important than that. So, they’re just doing what they can to make it easier for the family,” says Young.

The money will go to the family, who can use the funds as they see fit.

“Police officers are supposed to run towards danger while others are running away. John exemplified that on Monday,” says Young.

“John Davidson is my hero. He’s this community’s hero,” said an emotional Police Chief Bob Rich at a news conference outside APD headquarters announcing the officer’s death on Monday.

Police say Davidson worked in Patrol, Youth Squad and Traffic units.

Earlier this year he also participated in the annual Cops for Cancer fundraiser — a 900 kilometre bike ride around various parts of the province to raise money for pediatric cancer.

Davidson was also a part of Alexa’s Team, a program that recognizes and honours officers who work to help reduce the number of impaired drivers on BC roads. The program was named after Alexa Middelaer, who was killed by a drunk driver in Ladner back in 2008.

Davidson is survived by his wife and three adult children.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the IIO are both involved in this case.

Oscar Arfmann, 65, who is from Alberta, has been charged with first-degree murder.