Thousands of first responders and family members gathered on Saturday to remember two fallen Fredericton police officers.
Constables Sara Burns, 43, and Robb Costello, 45, were killed last Friday while responding to a call of shots fired on the city’s north side.
The shooting also claimed the lives of two civilians — Donnie Robichaud, 42, and Bobbie Lee Wright, 32.
During Saturday’s regimental funeral, Steve Burns called his wife, Sara, the most beautiful and caring woman he has ever met.
The two met at a local craft brewery where Sara used to work, and Steve said that is where they fell in love.
“She is at peace and knows you did everything you could to protect her”
Steve Burns, husband of Sara Burns, speaking to her colleagues. pic.twitter.com/FD6L9jdzrQ— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) August 18, 2018
Steve spoke to Sara’s colleagues and told them he has heard the world “guilt” far too much this week.
“I want each and every one of you to know that she is at peace and knows that you did everything you could to protect her,” he said.
Steve also spoke to his three sons: Duncan, Malcolm and Anderson.
“You need to know that your mom loved each of you unconditionally and she will watch over you forever,” he said. “You need to know she was a hero and she will be remembered forever by us, our friends, this community, and this great country.”
Greg Morris, a family friend, speaks about Cst. Robb Costello saying he loved being a police officer, he loved playing basketball and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. pic.twitter.com/FY5VZglb3D
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) August 18, 2018
Family friend Greg Morris spoke on behalf of the Costello family and told the story of Robb covering a colleague’s Christmas Day shift, saying he just did it and did not want anything for it.
Morris said Robb did not become a hero because he died but was a hero the way he lived, and he died doing what he loved.
“You have finished your shift. You are off duty. Take a deep breath — you are home now,” he said.
Police Chief Leanne Fitch said both officers died “a hero’s death” and “served their very best to their last breath.”
“Sara and Robb served in their role with tremendous honour and courage and compassion and integrity … they didn’t have a mean bone in their body. Just ask the people in our city and they will tell you,” said Fitch.
To her force, Chief Fitch “you are heroes.” pic.twitter.com/91ulcstzLk
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) August 18, 2018
She also spoke directly to her force and said she has never been more honoured to serve and lead in her life.
“You save lives every day in so many ways when you put on that badge and head out onto our streets. I need you to hear my voice and that of your community and that of your country when I say you are all heroes.”
Fitch said this is not the time for anger, but for us to become better, and we must continue to muster the courage in preparation of all our tomorrows.
Thousands lined the streets of Fredericton before the funeral as a procession of 1,500 police officers and other first responders travelled from Fredericton High School to the Aitken Centre, where the funeral was held.
