Memorial to be held by first responders for Edmonton security guard slain on the job

A group that represents first responders in Alberta says it plans to honour a security guard who was killed on the job in Edmonton last week.

Harshandeep Singh was fatally shot while working in an apartment building at 107 Avenue and 106 Street early Friday morning.

A spokesperson for Singh's family says he was living in Canada on a student visa and had only been on the job at the security company for three days at the time of his death.

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The Alberta First Responders Association (AFRA) says it plans to honour Singh before his body is returned to his family in India.

Jerry Galliford of AFRA says the association recognizes security guards as first responders even though they aren't sworn members.

"They are civilian members, but they're also the first responder there," he told CTV News Edmonton on Tuesday.

"They're on the scene, they're answering calls, they're putting themselves in harm's way. So the Alberta First Responders Association 100 per cent identifies them as first responders."

Galliford says this is the first time they've held a memorial for a civilian, but the association felt strongly about recognizing Singh given the brutality of his death.

"It's something that I hope that we can make happen, because this young man deserves this honour," he added. "He was on duty, he was in the front lines, and it's gotta happen."

Evan Rain, 30, and Judith Saulteaux, 30, have been charged with first-degree murder in Singh's death.

The pair is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nav Sangha