‘Your loss is unbearable’: Families of fallen officers pay tribute

There have been various tributes in Alberta for the two officers who were shot and killed in Edmonton on Thursday morning, and among the most poignant came from the men’s families.

In a touching memorial, Brett Ryan’s mother Laurie wrote that words can’t begin to explain her deep sorrow and pain.

She adds her son served his community with pride and commitment and that he loved his wife, unborn child, his brothers and parents.

She concluded that she has been blessed to have had Brett in her life for 30 years but that the loss is unbearable.

READ: Father to be and ‘snow angel’: Edmonton officers shot and killed on duty remembered

Const. Ryan’s brother also reflected on the loss and how his life has changed forever.

Garret Ryan wrote how proud he was of his brother and his accomplishments and the man that he became, and that he loved him and would see him on the other side.

Meanwhile, Travis Jordan’s sister shared her pride in her brother’s commitment to serving Edmonton, and that this senseless act means he no longer gets to go home to his family.

She called him a hero that no one will ever forget and that she loves him more than he’ll ever know.

Condolence books were set up Friday at Edmonton City Hall for people to pay their respects for Ryan and Jordan.

City landmarks, including city hall, the High Level Bridge, Muttart Conservatory, Commonwealth Stadium and Walterdale Bridge, were lit Thursday night in blue to honour the two officers.

Flags at the Alberta legislature, government buildings and police detachments were lowered to half-mast.

Walterdale Bridge illuminated blue in tribute to fallen officers Brett Ryan and Travis Jordan. (Credit: CityNews)

Online fundraisers have been organized for the families of the officers by the Edmonton Police Association and the Alberta Paramedic Association.

The Donut Man, a bakery in Crossfield, Alta., has also been selling memorial doughnuts featuring a blue ribbon, black and blue sprinkles and the letters R and J, with proceeds going to the officers’ families.

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Charlotte Blackwell, who owns the bakery with her husband, said they have sold about 200 doughnuts so far, including orders from people in emergency services and those planning to send the treats to police divisions.

“Everybody’s been very supportive. Obviously a lot of people have been very sombre,” she said. “People just want to show support for the families.”

Blackwell said she’s a cousin of Ryan’s mother and remembers playing with him at family functions when he was a young boy.

“From what I know of him and what I remember of him, he was a wonderful person,” she said. “The whole family is heartbroken over this. My heart breaks for my cousin and the rest of the family.”

Ryan, 30, a former paramedic, lived just west of Edmonton in Spruce Grove.

Jordan, 35, who grew up in Nova Scotia, was remembered as a kind officer who went above and beyond in his job.