On Wednesday morning, mourners gathered as hundreds of police officers paid their respects at the funeral of Constable Andrew Hong. Hong, 48, was at a Tim Hortons restaurant in Mississauga, Ontario on September 12 when he was ambushed and killed by a 30-year-old man named Shawn Petry. He was one of three people fatally shot by Petrie that day before the suspect was later shot dead by police at a Hamilton cemetery. Hong, a 22-year veteran and member of Toronto police’s Traffic Services Unit, was conducting a joint training exercise with Peel and York Regional Police in Mississauga and was on his lunch break when the shooting occurred. More from NextShark: ‘The End of the Rainbow’: Shanghai Pride closes after 12 years He reportedly spent the last 19 years of his career in the traffic police while working in a specialized motorcycle unit that provided security escort for officials. According to Toronto Police Services, Hong began his police career in 2000 before moving to traffic services two years later. Hong’s casket was carried to the Toronto Convention Center from Kane-Jarrett Funeral Home in Thornhill as a parade of officers and dignitaries lined the route to pay their respects to the slain officer. The father-of-two is remembered as a hero who was “extremely passionate about his work”. During the service, Hong’s wife Jenny noted that they would celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary on Thursday. More from NextShark: NYC Bakery Serves 70,000 Free Meals in One Year More from NextShark: Chinese man executed for setting his ex-wife on fire during live stream “He was a great man with a great personality. He was larger than life. We miss him every day and our home will always feel empty without him,” Jenny said. “Andrew, if you’re listening, know that you will always and forever be the greatest love of my life. Happy Birthday.” The story continues “I was hearing stories from my parents’ lives before I was born,” said Hong’s daughter Mia. “As many of you could probably see, he was a big guy. In his early years, he was a lot of lifting and hitting the gym. But as he got older, his love for muscle and cars turned into a love for his wife and kids. From the Volkswagen GTI it turned into an eight-seater minivan.” While Hong’s casket was draped in a Canadian flag, the ceremony also included a Korean traditional folk song performed by the Korean Traditional Music Association of Canada. More from NextShark: Brooklyn mom gets 18 years in prison for choking to discipline her According to Toronto police, more than 8,000 people attended the procession, including officers from Quebec and Halifax. Representatives from all levels of government were also present, including Mayor John Tory. “I told Jenny and Mia and Alex yesterday when I met them and the rest of their family that I was sure all 3 million people who live in the city would have come to visit if they could and I know they are here. in spirit and support today,” Tory was quoted as saying. Featured image via @TPAca (left), CBC News (right)
