By Murray Sherriffs
Montreal police officer, 34-year-old Mohamed Lamine Benredouane has been remembered in a march and memorial ceremony as a hero who saved countless lives in the shooting in Côte des Neiges.
The SPVM officer, a father of a young child—with number two soon to arrive—was the first police officer killed in the line of duty in Montreal in 24 years.
The gathering to honour him was attended by family, mates, dignitaries and thousands of police officers from all over Canada and the United States.
At the Bell centre, where thousands gathered to pay tribute, his sister said that “…he sacrificed himself to save an indescribable number of people.”
With drummers bagpipers leading, officers marched from Montreal police headquarters on St. Urbain, and down René-Lévesque, the streets lined with other officers, first responders and members of the public.
The procession was led by officers on horseback, followed by an officer holding Benredouane’s police hat on a cushion.
Two Royal Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon helicopters flew over downtown Montreal in tribute.
The Montreal Casino, the Biosphere and the Champlain Bridge were illuminated to honor Benredouane.
Premier Fréchette says all of Quebec is in mourning. “…we would have probably faced an even greater tragedy” had he not been courageous.
Montreal Mayor Martinez Ferrada said “…I want to thank Montrealers who showed up today to remember the ultimate sacrifice of Mohamed, but also remember police officers decid to do this job to protect and serve.”
Mayor Martinez Ferrada has invited members of the public, officers and his family to city hall on Friday, to sign a book of condolences.
If you cannot attend, you can convey your sympathy by sending an electronic mail message to the following address: condoleances@spvm.qc.ca.