Fallen Montreal police officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane was remembered as a hero at a public memorial in his honour Tuesday.
Benredouane lost his life in a shootout with an assailant in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood last month.
READ: Fallen SPVM officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane remembered as hero
Thousands of police officers, dignitaries and members of the general public showed up to pay their respects and give their condolences. Here’s what they had to say about Benredouane.
“Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, on that June 22nd, you gave your life in order for others to live. The people of Montreal owe you a debt they will never be able to pay back. In the crowd today are hundreds of people who knew you. There are also thousands who don’t, but they know what they owe you. That’s the Mohamed effect, everyone here today. They just wanted to say thank you to you.”
—Montreal police Chief Fady Dagher
“Your presence with your partner saved the lives of many innocent people, but to do so, you had to give your own. It is an ultimate act of courage that will never be forgotten. Since that day, Mohamed, a void has opened up inside me, but once again, I have started thinking of you, and little by little, that void is being filled with hope, courage, and love. Despite the dangers of being a police officer, we will remain strong and united because that is what Mohamed would want more than anything. Your children will grow up knowing that their father was a hero and that he will never be forgotten.”
—SPVM Sgt. Simon Deschênes, Benredouane’s former supervisor
“Today, all of Quebec is in mourning. Today we pray tribute to officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, a man who chose to serve, who chose to protect all Quebecers. And he did so until the ultimate sacrifice.”
—Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette
“Montreal is crying and Montreal was present. Montrealers were all across the streets, police officers. I think it was a moment in silence, in dignity, in solidarity, and I want to thank Montrealers to show up today.”
—Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada
“We must remember that Mohamed was acting to protect and serve. That is the police motto. And for that, we will never forget.”
—Canadian Health Minister Marjorie Michel
“We tend to forget that behind the uniform there are men, women, husbands, fathers, wives, mothers.”
—Former Sûreté du Québec director of communications Guy Lapointe
“To all the police officers from across the country gathered here today, thank you for your support and for demonstrating your solidarity. It strengthens our determination to carry out our essential mission and to honour the memory of our fallen brother.”
—Yves Francoeur, president of Montreal’s Police Brotherhood
“A lot of grief. It’s a lot of sadness. And that’s why we really wanted to be here today, because it’s an occasion, an opportunity to tell our policemen and police women that we care about them, and that we are very grateful for all the work that they do.”
—Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard
“Seeing all these police officers, I just want to say to them that they are loved by many civilians. They are respected by many, many people. And we are thankful for what they do to us. And may Benredouane rest in peace. And I send a lot of courage and prayers for his family.”
—Montrealer Nour Gharib, who came to the procession holding a bouquet of white flowers
“Very devastated because you never can be prepared for this kind of news. The way he died is very difficult for them.”
—Montrealer Samir Benserradj, who knew Benredouane and his twin brother
“It’s been days and days since this sad event happens, and still seeing people crying today, I’m sure they didn’t know him personally, but they cried because of his heroic intervention.”
—Montrealer Amine Masmoudi
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