With grief and gratitude, Montreal honours police officer killed in line of duty

Public commemoration held for fallen Montreal police force force ship's officer

Thousands of police officers are making their way through the streets of Montreal today, as part of a procession to honour Const. Mohamed Lamine Benredouane.

Benredouane, 34, was shot and killed on June 22 in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood — the same community where he grew up and later chose to serve.

The shootout also claimed the life of a bystander, Michel Mizrahi, and left another SPVM officer wounded before the gunman was fatally shot by police.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's ceremony, Montreal police Chief Fady Dagher said the ceremony will be a chance for SPVM officers to gather as a family and "cry together."

"He was very positive; Mohamed was known as a great partner personally and professionally," he said.

"Mohamed is going to be remembered for the human person that he's been, but also the hero, and for the police officer — the way he behaved on those 911 calls."

The commemorative procession is being broadcast live on the SPVM's YouTube channel.

A procession of police officers on motorcycles led the way, followed by thousands of uniformed officers walking in silence, visibly moved as they gathered to mourn. 

The sound of bagpipes echoed through the streets of downtown Montreal, accompanying the tribute.

A police vehicle adorned with blue and white flowers — the colours of the SPVM — and a portrait of the victim also made its way through the streets. 

Benredouane's death marked the first time in 24 years that an officer with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) has been killed on the job.

Benredouane leaves behind a three-year-old son and a wife pregnant with their second child.

The City of Montreal created a condolence book for the public, which can be signed at city hall until Friday and will be given to Benredouane's family.

Ahead of the ceremony, Quebec Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said he expects it to be an "extremely emotional" day.

"What's unique about being a police officer is that you're willing to make the ultimate sacrifice — to give your life to save the life of a stranger," Lafrenière said.

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"And that's what happened to Mohamed that day. It was a horrific tragedy of unprecedented violence."

The ceremony also brings back painful memories for him. Twenty-four years ago, his friend, police officer Benoît L'Écuyer, was killed in the line of duty.

"It brings back that pain we went through," he said, noting that L'Écuyer's widow will also attend the ceremony.

Lafrenière added that he and fellow officers have remained in close contact with Benredouane's family, including his sister Lina, since the day he was killed.

"This is an important day."

Holding flowers and a handwritten card, Montreal resident Nour Gharib decided to attend the procession to express her support for Benredouane's family and the police officers who "work everyday for us."

"His death and the death of the other civilian ... It really really touched me deep inside of my heart," Gharib said, noting that it's important to remember the people who risk their lives for civilians.

"[Benredouane] died working for us, while protecting us. He didn't think twice."

Montreal police, elected officials march to commemorate officer killed in line of duty

Journalist

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