John was as brave as a lion. His bravery cost him his life

PC John Davidson, 53, a former British police officer who was shot dead while serving in Canada. (Abbotsford Police Department/PA Wire)

THE Scots police officer killed in the line of duty in Canada is to have his name added to his old force’s roll of honour.

John Davidson was shot dead while attending an emergency call when serving in British Columbia.

The 53-year-old dad grew up one of five children in the rural Scottish Borders village of Newcastleton.

He had served with Northumbria Police before moving to Canada.

Now his former UK force will pay tribute to the fallen officer by adding him with honour to the Northumbria Police Memorial Wall.

The wall, in a memorial garden, is located at the force’s headquarters, in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear.

Jim Gray, chairman of Northumbria Police Federation, said that Acting Chief Constable Winton Keenen has decided that John’s name will appear on the memorial wall.

A Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer stands among Vancouver Police officers during a memorial for Abbotsford Police Constable John Davidson, who was killed in the line of duty on November 6, in Abbotsford (Canadian Press/REX/Shutterstock)

He said: “John was a proud Scot and Mr Keenen fittingly presented his widow Denise with a Saltire at his funeral last week.”

The officer’s good friend and Northumbria Police colleague, Det Con Keith Howells said his colleagues had been in mourning since they learned of his murder.

He said: “John was as brave as a lion, always the first one in if anyone’s life was in danger. He was a really selfless man and his bravery cost him his life.”

The officers first met in 1993 when Davidson joined the Northumbria Police and kept up a friendship through their shared love of football and cycling.

John served with Northumbria Police for 12 years before emigrating to Canada to join British Columbia’s Abbotsford Police.

Keith Howell always promised to make it over to Canada but only did so as his friend’s pallbearer last Sunday.

As well as leaving behind a widow, Denise, John has three adult children: Faye, Dina and Drew.

He is mourned by his brother Keith, and sisters Isabel, Sheila and Linda. They all travelled from the UK to the official funeral in the west coast Canadian town.

A book of condolences signed by colleagues, friends and locals in Northumbria was presented to Denise by acting Chief Constable Winton Keenen.