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Hundreds gather to pay their respects to Const. John Davidson

Vigil held Monday night in Abbotsford at scene of killing
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Hundreds of first responders and citizens gathered Monday night at Mt. Lehman Centre to honour Const. John Davidson. (Kevin MacDonald photo)

Hundreds of first responders and citizens attended a candelight vigil on Monday night to honour the life of Const. John Davidson.

The event was held in the parking lot of the Mt. Lehman Centre strip mall to pay respect to Davidson, 53, who died there while on duty Nov. 6.

Davidson, a 24-year police veteran who had been with the Abbotsford Police Department since 2006, was the first on the scene after reports were received of shots being fired.

He was struck down by gunfire, and was later pronounced dead in hospital.

Oscar Arfmann, 65, of Alberta has been charged with first-degree murder in relation to Davidson’s death, and remains in custody.

Those attending Monday’s vigil lit candles, brought flowers and signed messages in tribute to Davidson.

Many first responders – including police, fire and ambulance personnel – were among those in the crowd.

The vigil was organized by the South Asian Community Resource Office of Abbotsford Community Services.

This was the second vigil held in Davidson’s memory. The first occurred outside the Abbotsford Police Department on the day of the killing.