Fallen police officers honoured at Parliament Hill memorial service

Four officers who died in the line of duty this year were honoured at the annual Canadian Police And Peace Officers' Memorial on Parliament Hill on Sunday.

Close to 300 officers spent three days running from Toronto to Ottawa for the event.

Of those, 11 were from the Ottawa Police Service.

"As a police officer, we're a family. When there's a fallen officer, doesn't matter where, we want to pay tribute to that officer," said Det. Lisa King

The 460-kilometre relay wrapped up at Parliament Hill Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday officers gathered for a memorial service for Edmonton Police Const. Daniel Woodall, Alberta RCMP Const. David Wynn, commercial transport enforcement officer Toni Kristinsson of British Columbia and Manitoba correctional officer Rhonda Commodore.

Among those in the crowd was Erin Ochakovsky, who lost her husband in 2010. He was a constable with the Peel Regional Police.

"We have given the ultimate sacrifice, the survivors live the ultimate sacrifice," she said.

Ochakovsky says the ceremony helps families of the deceased officers cope with their loss.

"It lets you know that you're still a part of the police family. They have each other's backs and they have the family's back, whether the officer is deceased or not. "

Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau says security was bolstered for the event after the Parliament Hill shooting in October 2014.

"Because of the events of last year, it was important for us to ensure that the safety and security of all our people, the community and our members, was assured. We worked closely with the RCMP and the Ontario Provincial Police just to add another layer of security," he said.