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WINGHAM, Ont. - Thousands of police officers filled a hockey arena and marched in unison down this small community's main street Friday in a massive tribute to a slain officer, remembered as a dedicated father and a "modern-day hero."
The impressive display that is a full police funeral was contrasted with the quiet way Const. Vu Pham lived his life. Mourners at his funeral heard about a man devoted to his community and his faith, but most of all to the three young sons he leaves behind.
The boys stood in front of the sea of officers gathered and read letters to their father, remembering how he would always cheer them on at their hockey games and goof around with them.
"I miss you daddy," said Joshua, 7, in a small voice. "I wish you were here with us today."
"Dear dad, you are the best dad ever," said Jordan, 10. "I love you dad, so much."
The touching letters and their mother's tearful eulogy that followed reminded those at the funeral that even though Pham's loss is a great one for the Ontario Provincial Police - he is the 104th officer to die in the line of duty in the force's 100-year history - his family will continue to suffer as they live each day without their beloved husband and father.
Heather Pham has had nightmares about having to bury her husband, she said, as surely every officer's spouse has. But still, it was difficult to put into words what an amazing husband and father Pham was, she said.
"Even though I don't understand or like it, it was Vu's time and I know he was ready," she said with a wavering voice.
"As hard as it is, I believe forgiveness is the only way to release us from the pain and the anger ... With God's help I will offer it as well. My hope and prayer is that all of you can do the same. I know it is what Vu would have wanted."
Pham was shot Monday on a rural road in the Wingham area after he pulled over a pickup truck. The suspect in Pham's killing, Fred Preston, 70, died in hospital Thursday night after he was wounded in a gun battle with another officer.
Pham's partner, Const. Dell Mercey, revealed during his eulogy that he was that officer.
"I believe his final purpose was when his spirit stood beside me, helping me when I was sure I was going to die that day," he said. "I didn't die that day because Vu Pham saved my life."
Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino called Pham "a modern-day hero" who courageously put himself in harm's way to honour his oath of duty.
"To Tyler, Joshua and Jordan: I hope that you will grow up to always remember your father's exceptional reputation as a truly remarkable police officer and humanitarian and remember that he will always be with you," Fantino said.
The service was also attended by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and several other dignitaries.
Pham, originally from Vietnam, was taken in as a boy by Dan Thompson, a southwestern Ontario pastor who later moved to northern Ontario, where Pham and his three new siblings were raised. Pham's brother, Mike Thompson, said his adoptive brother was strong and liked to lift weights, but that "he wasn't just built with muscle, he was built with integrity."
"He may have died a hero to you, but he lived a hero to me," he said.
Dan Thompson said his life was richer for being able to raise Pham as his own son.
"When he chose to be a police officer I knew that this day could come," he said. "I have full confidence this is not the end for Vu Pham, but simply the beginning of eternal life."
