Abbotsford police host appreciation day after 'exceptionally challenging' year
Gang conflicts, ongoing opioid crisis and death of Const. John Davidson noted as year wraps up
The Abbotsford Police Department hosted an appreciation day on Saturday to thank community members for their support in the past year.
Hundreds of people attended the free event at the Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre. Sgt. Judy Bird said it was an opportunity for officers to meet the people they serve.
"We're really looking forward to being able to actually to take a few moments when we're not in a rush, when we're not in a crisis, when there's no chaos, to actually have a good laugh and talk to our community," said Sgt. Judy Bird.
Great work by the <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbyPoliceDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbbyPoliceDept</a> on their community appreciation event today. The excellent turn-out demonstrates once again that the people stand with you. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abbypdstrong?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abbypdstrong</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yrl9afWiHc">pic.twitter.com/Yrl9afWiHc</a>
—@MPJatiSidhuThe event also gave the department a chance to thank the community for its support in the past year.
"This year in particular has been exceptionally challenging," said Bird, noting gang conflicts, the ongoing opioid crisis and the death of Const. John Davidson.
"We're completely overwhelmed and so thankful for all everyone has done for us."
Enjoying a visit with Santa at the Trades at our Community Appreciation Event! Still time to come and see us until 2pm. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Abbotsford?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Abbotsford</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbyPoliceDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbbyPoliceDept</a> <a href="https://t.co/jPXLVFWFl5">pic.twitter.com/jPXLVFWFl5</a>
—@abbypdcpo