Let it be.

That is the song – and the message -- that Sgt. Ryan Russell's widow Christine shared with her husband's colleagues, friends, family and a sympathetic public at a memorial service for her late husband.

"He always put everyone before himself and on January 12, that cost him his life," she said before a crowd of more than 10,000 people at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Tuesday.

"With Ryan's courage and bravery and because of all of you and your support, I'm able to stand here," she said, pausing often to take deep breaths to calm her wavering voice.

Christine Russell was the last to pay tribute to the fallen police officer at the memorial. Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, former chief Julian Fantino, Ontario's Lieutenant Governor David Onley and Toronto Police Supt. Hugh Ferguson were also among the speakers.

"Ryan formed a quick rapport with everyone he encountered -- even the bad guys," Ferguson said, recalling the time he worked as Russell's supervisor at 54 Division.

"He was an artist when it came to talking to people," he said.

Russell, who was a hockey fanatic and saved stray cats when he wasn't policing the streets of Toronto, was remembered as a keen and dedicated leader.

Chief Blair said when word spread last Wednesday that Russell had been killed during an altercation with the driver of a stolen snowplow, "it immediately became apparent we had lost one of our best."

"We lost a decent and kind man who earned (his colleagues') respect as leader and mentor," Blair said. "A knowledgeable and enthusiastic leader who was generous with his time and energy. A role model."

Russell served the police for 11 years, joining 54 Division in 1999 before moving on to the Guns and Gangs unit and then 52 Division.

Final salute

The public memorial service culminated a day of sombre remembrance for the Toronto Police Service and other police services across Ontario who marched silently through the downtown core earlier in the afternoon to honour their fallen comrade.

Led by police on horseback, the officers were joined by firefighters, paramedics and members of the Canadian Forces as they marched south on University Avenue towards the Metro Toronto Convention Centre where the memorial service was held. Officials say more than 12,000 people took part in the procession.

(To see pictures of the procession, click here)

The only sounds to be heard during the procession were the synchronized thumps of boots pounding the pavement, the melodic tunes of bagpipes and the distant wailing of emergency vehicle sirens . Onlookers stood in absolute silence.

Angie Matthews, a mother of 5, came to watch the procession during her lunch break. She wiped away tears as she spoke of her sympathy for the officer's family.

"It breaks my heart to think that you leave your home to go to work and serve your community and then this," she said.

Russell, 35, was killed when he tried to stop the driver of a stolen snow plow near Avenue and Davenport roads. He was fatally injured when he was struck by the vehicle.

He leaves behind his wife Christine and their two-year-old son Nolan.

"The loss for that little boy..." said Matthews shaking her head.

Matthews stood back from the crowd as the police procession split into two groups on either side of the street, saluting as a hearse carrying Russel's coffin passed through.

Belinda Forrest, the wife of a Toronto police officer, sat quietly on a planter on University, watching the procession go by.

"It's horrifying," she said. "It's sad that it takes something like this to happen for people to show respect for police."

But for Warren Catterall and his friends, showing respect for police and others who risk their lives in the line of duty everyday, is something he makes sure to do everyday.

Catterall and his friends Tony and Bill McNeil brought a large Canadian flag to the procession and held it proudly as scores of emergency personnel walked by.

The men came from as far as Owen Sound to pay their respects and say they do the same thing each time a fallen Canadian soldier comes home for the last time.

"Everytime we bring our flag and we stand outside Castle Frank Station," Catterall said. "I think because of our age, we know what it means to be an officer or firefighter or soldier. It means we care and we're showing some respect."

Trust fund

Blair said at the memorial service that Russell's death has reminded everyone about the sacrifices that officers make everyday when they are out on the job.

"When tragedies strike, we mourn together," he said. "When we gathered on University Avenue today we knew that while this was a sad day for all of us, it is also a proud day."

Blair thanked the public for their outpouring of support.

"We will remember your kindness and rededicate ourselves to your service," he said.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Police Association have set up a trust fund for anyone wishing to make a donation in his name. Russell's son Nolan will be the beneficiary.

Donations can be made at any CIBC location via account number 0018139, transit number 04392, and bank number 010.