Thousands expected at funeral of fallen Officer -- accused dies

OPP News Release

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ORILLIA - Thousands of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers, members from other police services, military personnel and emergency service workers are expected to be among the mourners at the funeral of Provincial Constable Vu Pham on Friday at 1:00 p.m.

"The OPP is like one large family and the loss of Provincial Constable Pham diminishes us all. We will make a good showing to support his family and friends and honour a hero who died in the line of duty," said OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, who will speak briefly at the funeral.

Provincial Constable Pham was a 15-year member of the OPP having worked out of detachments in Parry Sound, Cochrane and Huron County. On the morning of March 8, he responded to a call for service in rural Huron County and stopped a vehicle. Provincial Constable Pham was shot and fatally wounded as he exited his police vehicle. He was 37-years old.

Provincial Constable Pham leaves a wife and three children, parents and siblings. He was well known in his community, acting as a minor hockey coach and executive and was a Deacon in his church. At his detachment, Pham was admired for his quiet competence, willingness to help a fellow officer and his common sense approach to policing.

Provincial Constable Pham is the 104th OPP officer to die in the line of duty. His name, badge number and biography will be added to the Honour Roll at OPP General Headquarters in Orillia and at http://www.oppa.ca/honour_roll/index.html. The Honour Roll is a tribute to the members of the OPP who have lost their lives in the line of duty in service to the people of Ontario. It is maintained by the Ontario Provincial Police Association.

"Every day the men and women of the OPP put their lives on the line in carrying out their duties. We all accept the inherent risks of our profession, but this terrible tragedy strikes very close to home. While we cannot know the depths of grief that Provincial Constable Pham's family and friends are feeling, their loss is also our loss. On behalf of every member of the OPP, I will offer our condolences and support," said Commissioner Fantino.

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The man charged with killing the OPP officer Fred Preston, 70, of Sundridge, died Thursday night after his family decided to have him taken off of life support.