This past Friday May 5th, Senior Constable John Atkinson, 37, a 15-year veteran of the Windsor Police, became the first member in the force’s 120 year history to be shot and killed.
From the Officer Down Memorial Page:
Constable John Atkinson
Windsor Police Service
Ontario
End of Watch: Friday, May 5, 2006
Biographical Info
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: Not availableIncident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Friday, May 5, 2006
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: ApprehendedConstable Atkinson was shot and killed while questioning two suspicious men he observed at a convenience store in a residential area. While questioning the men one of them produced a handgun and opened fire.
Despite being wounded, Constable Atkinson was able to return fire as the suspects fled. Two 18-year-old men were arrested a short time later.
Constable Atkinson had served with the agency for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
Agency Contact Information
Windsor Police Service
P.O. Box 60
Windsor, ON N9A 6J5Phone: (519) 255-6700
* Please contact the agency for funeral information
The convenience store that was the scene of the crime.
The police are still on the scene searching for evidence.
Along the fence beside the alley a memorial to Officer Atkinson has grown.
While people mourn around the corner, the police work thoroughly to scour the ground in the alley.
A poem taped to the telephone pole.
A card from some old high school friends. Officer Atkinson grew up and went to school and still lived with his family in this neighborhood.
A letter from some citizens, to the Police Officers.
A Divisional Commedation given to Officer Atkinson and his partner in 1996.
A pair of stuffed animals left at the memorial with notes from children.
A final view of the memorial. The whole time I was there taking photos, there were a steady stream of visitors. Some bringing flowers, many families, many people openly weeping. As much as the money people spend on flowers and stuffed animals to leave could be better put to use, through a donation to some kind of memorial fund, it is still a very moving scene.
The photos above are from last night at the Windsor Civic Terrace. There was a candle light vigil held for all citizens of the city hosted by mayor Eddie Francis and Police Chief Glen Stannard.
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Nice respectful photo coverage of the scene and memorial service, Andrew.
Bring back the death penalty. How many more decent folk will die because murderers need not fear? And who pays for these murderers afterwards? Why, the very families of those who were murdered.
My condolences to the family and friends of Constable Atkinson. I was a reserve Detroit Police officer many years ago. I have always had the utmost of respect for our Canadian neighbors, their judicial system and the citizens respect for the law and one another. This tragic loss of life is so senseless. A man doing his job, serving his neighbors and his community, our police cars proudly displayed the phrase "To Serve and Protect", this is what Constable Atkinson was doing. Canadians stand fast, don't let the criminals, outsiders and liberals destroy your beautiful country and render your judicial system powerless. We have witnessed this in the US, learn from our mistakes, the death penalty should be brought back.
I hope that the Canadians will remain sober and vigilant
Oh Canada
God Save the Queen
An American neighbor
Mr Lee