The chill rain only helped add to the sombre atmosphere at the annual National Police and Peace Officer’s Memorial service on Parliament Hill Sunday.
The ceremony, which began 35 years ago to mark the death of Ottawa’s Const. David Kirkwood, brought together thousands of officers from Canada and the United States to honour those fallen in the line of duty.
“Yours is one of the highest, most distinguished forms of public service,” said Public Safety minister Vic Toews.
“No job is more important and few are as difficult or as dangerous.”
“The members of the public recognize that police officers have a very difficult job,” said Ottawa police chief Charles Bordeleau.
“Just to see the number of people that came out on a rainy day to show that support to us and to the families is really important.”
Ottawa has lost 14 officers, the most recent being murder victim Eric Czapnik.
This year’s ceremony paid tribute to Const. Vincent Roy of Bromont, Que., killed in December 2011 after he was hit by a vehicle during a traffic stop.
“It reminds all of us how vulnerable we are,” said Tom Stamatakis, president of the Canadian Police Association.
“Despite the training and the better equipment . . . we still experience these kinds of tragedies every year, unfortunately.”
Three officers killed before the Memorial Pavilion was set up also had their names added to the more than 820 etched into the monument’s glass panels.
Families of current officers said it’s important to show their thanks for police who have died.
“We come every year, my husband’s with Ottawa police so it’s just really important to honour the sacrifices that have been made before him,” said Melissa McKenzie.
“We all live and breathe it every day,” saod Const. Kelly Menna of the Ottawa police. “It just becomes reality when something like that hits, so it’s really important for me to come.”
Three officers from across Canada have been killed in 2012, including Surete du Quebec officer Katia Hadouchi’s death on Wednesday.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Katie Griffin
