Families of Brett Ryan, Travis Jordan thank Edmontonians for ‘extraordinary support’ ahead of funeral

The families of Brett Ryan and Travis Jordan are thanking Edmontonians for the “overwhelming outpouring of support” ahead of Monday’s regimental funeral.

The constables were killed in the line of duty March 16. Their deaths were met with memorials and tributes from the public.

“We have had the incredible experience of witnessing the extraordinary support a city can provide a family in their most significant time of need,” Ryan’s family said in a statement Sunday. “Thank you for your selflessness expressed through thoughtful words, blue ribbons, touching tributes, acts of kindness, and much more.”

READ: Funeral for Edmonton police officers: how to watch, procession route, road closures and more

Edmontonians tied blue ribbons to posts, fences and trees in the aftermath of the constables’ death. Blue ribbons were also placed along Monday’s funeral procession route.

Civilians, some wearing blue ribbons and scarves, stood along the streets as the officers’ bodies were moved from the medical examiner’s office to the funeral home last week.

Memorials popped up outside the Edmonton Police Service headquarters and in front of the West Division police station.

Elementary school students paid tribute to Ryan and Jordan by making ribbons and heart-shaped messages of support for Edmonton police officers.

“The incredible outpouring of support we continue to receive in this city and across the country has not gone unnoticed and is deeply appreciated,” said Jordan’s family.

The families released statements via Edmonton police late Sunday afternoon, the day before the procession and regimental funeral for both men.

The families also took the opportunity to ask for privacy in the coming days and weeks as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones.

‘His absence is profound’

Ryan’s family said they did not have words to explain the process of grieving “the sudden loss of a beloved member of our family.”

“Brett was a husband, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a father-to-be,” they wrote. “He was a multi-talented individual, dedicated friend, respected colleague, active community member and volunteer, and compassionate first responder whose calling was to help those in need.

“His absence is profound, and we, along with his brothers and sisters in blue, will miss him.”

Jordan’s family called his passing an “unspeakable loss.”

WATCH: Edmonton police release details around officer killings

‘Enormous void in our lives’

“We are beyond words as we continue to grieve this unspeakable loss,” they wrote. “Travis’ sense of adventure was boundless and led him to a life well-lived. He was a son, a husband, a brother, and a loyal friend.

“He was passionate about giving back to his communities, and his willingness to help was limitless – all the makings of a great police officer and an even greater human being. This loss has cast an enormous void in our lives, and we, along with his EPS brothers and sisters, will miss him fiercely.”

Monday’s funeral procession will begin at the Alberta legislature and leave around 11:45 a.m.

The regimental funeral at Rogers Place is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

CityNews will be livestreaming the procession and funeral.