Today I witnessed more than 10,000 strong come together in solidarity to remember the life of Sgt. Ryan Russell. The streets of Toronto were saturated with law enforcement officers and emergency service personnel from all across North America, marching in perfect cadence, all with a common purpose.
They piled into the Toronto Convention Centre, filling the lower floor of the south building virtually to capacity, and sat restlessly awaiting the commencement of the service. When the precession entered the hall, a hush came over the 12,000 to 14,000 attendees, as though someone had magically thrown a switch of silence. Such is the measure of respect and admiration due a man who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
I would venture to say that 70% or more of those in attendance had never met Sgt. Russell, which is the truest of testimonies to his bravery and willingness to put his life on the line for those he was sworn to protect. I had never met him, but that did not matter in the least.
The entire service was filled with emotion, and in proud fashion 10,000 rough and ready police officers, most of whom have experienced the most wretched of life’s events first hand, cleared their throats, blew their noses, and wept openly.
This is a brotherhood, a fraternity that is difficult for anyone outside is rigid borders to comprehend, but it lives on in perpetuity during the most tragic of events.
“Officer down” is undoubtedly the most feared call from dispatch. A fallen officer, calling out to his or her brothers for help … and how those brothers do respond. It doesn’t matter whether you know the officer in trouble, or whether you work for a different police service or in a different division … all come running, often placing their own lives at peril to assist in any way they can.
Our nation mourns a fallen officer today, but it is the brotherhood that remains at Sgt. Russell’s family’s side, for all time. This was painfully and wonderfully evident today. For those who have never experienced a regimental police funeral, it is truly a wonderment.
I am proud to be a part of that brotherhood, and although I retired from active RCMP service 15 years ago, I remain a part of the fraternity. I always will.
From my perspective, may the brotherhood remain strong and united in its cause, and to the Russell family, Froese Forensic Partners wishes to offer our sincerest and heartfelt condolences.
