Monday’s service for Constable David Wynn will carry on a long history for the RCMP as the officer will be given a regimental funeral.
According to RCMP the service will include a procession, bugle calls and a traditional charger (rider-less horse).
“We’ve done it since the force was created in 1873,” Sergeant Major Doug Pack explained during a media conference Saturday afternoon.
“For us it is a big deal. It just means that we are able to say our goodbyes as a family.”
Sgt. Pack said there would be eight casket bearers during the event as well.
“That casket will be draped with the Canadian flag and accoutrements that Cst. Wynn would have worn such as his Stetson, what we call a felt hat and his Sam brown, ceremonial belt.”
A procession has been scheduled to start at the Holy Family Catholic Church in St. Albert at noon, which will head down Poirier Avenue and end up at the Servus Credit Union Place where the funeral service will be held at 2 p.m.
There will be minimal parking in the area near the procession and funeral, so the City of St. Albert has set up four Park and Ride locations – with pickups departing from the four locations between 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., and drop-offs leaving from Servus Place between 3:45 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Thousands from across North America are expected to attend, including Prime Minster Stephen Harper.
Public visitation has been scheduled at the St. Albert Alliance Church for Sunday evening between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cst. Wynn was shot during an incident at a St. Albert casino on Saturday, January 17 and passed away in hospital on January 21.
He is survived by his wife, Shelley and three sons.
With files from Julia Parrish, Dan Grummett
