Montreal police officers to ditch camo pants for Jean Béliveau funeral
Police Brotherhood says officers at Habs hockey great's funeral will wear official uniform out of respect
Montreal police officers will put their camouflage pants of protest aside for the funeral of beloved Habs hockey legend Jean Béliveau, who died late Tuesday at the age of 83.
The Montreal Police Brotherhood announced the temporary reprieve from camo pants on Friday as a sign of respect.
Officers will wear their official uniforms on Sunday and Monday while Béliveau's body lies in wake at the Bell Centre, as well as at his funeral on Wednesday.
"This decision is based on the tribute we owe to this man, his family and his admirers in the context of a national funeral," the release said.
The union also extended its condolences to Béliveau's family.
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Montreal police officers began wearing camo pants in the summer to protest against major pension reforms for municipal employees.
Béliveau's funeral will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral near the Bell Centre.
His body will rest at the Bell Centre this Sunday and Monday. The public is invited to pay tribute to him there between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.