(Above) A Salvation Army EDS vehicle serves coffee, tea, water and snacks during the funeral procession for Constable Andrew Hong, a Toronto police officer killed in the line of duty in September (Photo: Heather Prystanski)

In September, The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services (EDS) in the Ontario Division participated in the funeral for Constable Andrew Hong, a Toronto police officer killed in a deadly shooting rampage.

“The Salvation Army provided refreshments and support during the procession,” says Michael Snea, logistics section lead, emergency management and public order—public safety with the Toronto Police Service. “The Army was on scene serving coffee, tea, water and snacks for the approximately 8,000 police members and agencies in attendance from across Canada and the United States.”

The EDS team arrived at the staging facility in the early hours of the morning to gather all the vehicles, volunteers and staff together. It was an impressive sight to see two canteens, four cargo vans, three support vehicles and 24 volunteers preparing for a day of service.

 “The team was ready to serve 10,000 people, with more than 5,000 muffins, 6,000 cookies, 10,000 bottles of water and enough coffee for everyone attending,” notes Theresa Antonietti, EDS co-ordinator, Ontario Division.

After everything was loaded and the team briefing was complete, the EDS vehicles were positioned at six sites along the processional route to support the police officers and other participants, who were standing in formation for up to two hours.

Deployed to serve on a canteen at one of the sites along the procession route, I was honoured to be asked to volunteer and serve others in their time of need. Showing God’s love in such a tangible way was a truly humbling experience.

As the procession passed, I could feel the ground moving rhythmically with the marching of those paying their respects to Constable Hong. It was a poignant and emotional experience for us as volunteers to see 8,000 police officers salute their fallen colleague.

“It was an honour and privilege for us to be called upon to serve refreshments at the procession of Constable Andrew Hong,” shares Antonietti. “Even though we, like many others who were present, may not have known this brave officer, we all felt it was a memorable and rewarding place to be. I hope that the love of God was seen in our presence as we served a bottle of water, coffee, cookie or muffin.”

Time and time again throughout the procession, police officers and other attendees said, “Thank you for being here today” and “Thank you for all you do.” It was extremely moving to see someone sharing in a family’s darkest moments acknowledge the help and assistance we were providing.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback; many officers shared their appreciation that someone was around to support them during the procession,” says Snea.

As the funeral procession passed, my heart was heavy, and tears sprung to my eyes for the loss experienced by Constable Hong’s family, friends and community. In that moment, our mutual sorrow reflected the respect we have for each other’s service within our local communities.    

Antonietti’s experience closely echoes that of many of the EDS volunteers that day. “For me personally, when we were invited to join the honour guard on the sides of the street, it was a privilege to stop everything we were doing to show our final respect for someone who gave his life in service for our safety. To show his family that we were not only there to serve refreshments, but to show our respect and gratitude for such an honourable man.”

I believe that all the volunteers who served at Constable Hong’s funeral will carry the impact of that day for many years to come. We had the privilege of meeting people during a dark day and giving them hope through a cup of coffee, a snack or a bottle of water; to be a light and show God’s love and comfort through our actions.

Heather Prystanski is the divisional events co-ordinator in the public relations department, Ontario Division.