On Friday, May 6, 2006, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Const. John Atkinson, of Windsor, Ont., was shot to death after he confronted two young men involved in an apparent drug deal in the parking lot of a Mac's Milk convenience store.

At 3:15 p.m. The Salvation Army Windsor Emergency Disaster Services, under the direction of Major Clyde Guy, executive director of the Windsor Community and Rehabilitation Centre, was called to report to the scene of the crime.

"It was 4:00 p.m. when the Emergency Response Team arrived at the site," says Guy. "We stayed until 11:30 p.m. providing water, coffee, sandwiches and pizza that was made by a pizza place near the scene.

"Salvation Army personnel were also able to give words of comfort to the many devestated police officers who were visibly shaking."

Three days later a city-wide memorial was held at the water front in honour of the slain officer. Over 2,500 people attended and The Salvation Army emergency response team handed out in excess of 800 bottles of water and consoled several distraught citizens.

On Thursday, May 11, 2006, 10,000 police officers, private citizens, family and friends payed tribute to Const. Atkinson at a University of Windsor recreation centre. The Salvation Army set up water tents along the funeral march route. Four emergency response vehicles, providing water, were placed at specified locations."

Windsor police Chief, Glenn Stannard has publicly thanked The Salvation Army for "assisting my officers in a most difficult time."

Atkinson, 37, was a 14-year veteran of the force and the only on-duty Windsor police officer to be murdered in 120 years.

Police allege the two young men charged with frist-degree murder in the shooting death were crack dealers interrupted and confronted by the plain-clothed Atkinson.

The following e-mail was sent to Major Guy from Bruno Ierullo, the City of Windsor Chief Administration office:

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to you and your staff for the tremedous support and service that you and The Salvation Army have provided for Sr. Constable Atkinson's funeral. It is comforting and reassuring to have such a caring partner in our community. The Salvation Army has always and, I know, will continue to respond to the call for help. Thank you so much. It was an honour to work with you again."