Saturday, March 13, 2010

Slain Officer Laid to Rest

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Wingham
by Dianne Colgan    

The town of Wingham was overrun by thousands of men and women in uniform as Huron OPP Constable Vu Pham was laid to rest.

An estimated eight thousand people packed the North Huron Wescast Community Centre in Wingham on Friday for the funeral of Constable Pham.

An emotional afternoon got started with an opening prayer by Pham's adopted father, Pastor Dan Thompson.

OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty were the dignitaries who spoke, bringing condolences from the entire province of Ontario.

Pham's three sons Joshua, Tyler and Jordan also spoke about their favourite memories with their father, most of which involved hunting and playing sports.

Wife Heather Pham spoke of their love for each other and their sons, saying words can't describe it.

She says forgiveness is the only way to release them from the pain and anger, and God has freely offered forgiveness and she will offer it as well.

Pham says she hopes everyone can offer that same forgiveness, as it's what Vu would've wanted.

Constable Pham was fatally shot on Monday near the village of Winthrop in Huron East.

Fred Preston, the man charged in his death died Thursday after being wounded in the shootout.