‘Proud of the man you became’: Fallen SPVM officer Mohamed Lamine Benredouane remembered as hero

Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, the Montreal police officer who was killed in the line of duty last month, is being remembered as a hero who saved countless lives in his final moments.

Benredouane, 34, died June 22 in a shootout with an assailant in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood.

An SPVM officer since 2021 and the father of a young child with a second one on the way, Benredouane became the first police officer killed in the line of duty in Montreal in 24 years.

He was honoured with a commemorative ceremony and procession Tuesday attended by his family, dignitaries, and thousands of police officers from across the country.

“He sacrificed himself to save an indescribable number of people at the scene of the tragedy,” his sister Amira told thousands of people gathered at the Bell Centre.

“I take a moment to tell you that my brother was exceptional. He was an attentive brother, a devout son, a loving husband, an affectionate uncle, and an exceptional father. I will always be proud of you, proud of the child you were, proud of the man you became, proud of the policeman you chose to be, proud of your courage and integrity.

“You dedicated your life to protect others. Tou fulfilled your duty with honour until the last moments.”

Benredouane’s twin brother Ahmed Rochdi, who is also a member of law enforcement, described him as destined to become a police officer. Born in Algeria, Benredouane was portrayed as loving police symbols since he was a child.

“The day he received his uniform wasn’t just the culmination of years of study and hard work; it was the realization of a childhood dream, a dream that came true in December 2021 after he joined the SPVM,” Ahmed said.

“In fact, I also had the privilege of patrolling with him during my brief time with the SPVM. A 12-hour shift at Police Station 26, in Côte-des-Neiges, the neighbourhood where we grew up. That day, I didn’t just see a police officer in uniform; I saw a profoundly humane man. I saw how he spoke to citizens with calm, dignity, and compassion. That day will stay with me forever.”

Ahmed, who described losing his brother as losing a part of himself, promised to take care of Benredouane’s two children and tell them about him.

“They will never be alone,” he assured. “I love you, my twin, and I will love you all my life.”

A civilian bystander, Michel Mizrahi, was killed in the gunfire as well as the gunman. Another police officer was injured.

“You cut short his murderous rampage. How many people did you save?” asked Montreal police Chief Fady Dagher, who said Benredouane’s death was like losing a member of his own family.

“The people of Montreal owe you a debt they will never be able to pay back. In the crowd today are hundreds of people who knew you. There are also thousands who don’t, but they know what they owe you. That’s the Mohamed effect, everyone here today. They just wanted to say thank you to you.”

Dagher apologized the police officer’s wife and children — his two-year-old son and his unborn baby.

“Perhaps one day you will watch this ceremony. I apologize for not being able to being your father home,” he said, choked with emotion and through tears.

The SPVM chief explained that Benredouane had been injured playing soccer a short time before he responded to the 911 call on June 22, but a dedication to serve and a desire to be reunited with his partner brought him back on duty. Benredouane and his partner were first on scene.

Benredouane’s partner at the SPVM — in a letter read at the ceremony by another police officer — praised him for being a good partner, colleague and policeman with a natural instinct to “help and protect others.”

“Beyond work, Mohamed was more than just a partner,” she said. “He was someone I could trust, always ready to listen. We were never bored during a workday together. Mo and I come from different cultures and were at different stages in our lives. The police brought us together, and I’m grateful for that. It’s also what made us a stronger and more united team.

“Mo, working with you has been a privilege. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything.”

Solemn procession

Before the ceremony , thousands of uniformed police officers, from Montreal and across Canada, took part in a procession through the streets of downtown Montreal.

IN PHOTOS: Thousands of police officers march in solemn procession in Montreal

To the tune of drumming and bagpiping, the officers marched from the SPVM police headquarters on Saint-Urbain Street then down René-Lévesque Boulevard — streets lined with other officers, first responders and members of the general public.

The procession was led by officers on horseback and a pickup truck carrying a display of blue and white flowers, followed closely behind by an officer holding Benredouane’s police hat on a cushion.

They made their way to the Bell Centre for the two-hour commemorative ceremony that was open to the public.

The SPVM said more than 5,000 police officers participated, including some 2,700 from Montreal.

“When you see other police forces standing with us, that’s when you see that through difficult times, we’re always very, very united,” Dagher told reporters early Tuesday morning.

“The strength of the SPVM lies in its resilience. Mohamed would have greatly appreciated this response. This rapid rebound, and the continued commitment to protecting and serving, as he did throughout his service.”

Two days after Benredouane’s shooting, his funeral was held at the Islamic Centre of Quebec mosque in Saint-Laurent. He was buried in Laval. Following that private ceremony, Montreal’s police chief expressed to the family the need to hold a memorial service for Benredouane.

“We explained to them that we too need to grieve,” said Dagher. “To mourn with them, to mourn together, to mourn Mohamed, and they immediately agreed.”

As part of the commemoration, a pair of Royal Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon helicopters flew over downtown Montreal. The Montreal Casino, the Biosphere, and the Samuel De Champlain Bridge were illuminated in tribute to Benredouane.

“Today, all of Quebec is in mourning,” said Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, who took part in the procession. “Today we pay tribute to agent Mohamed Lamine Benredouane, a man who chose to serve, who chose to protect all Quebecers. And he did so until the ultimate sacrifice. Because of his courage, he has saved many, many lives. We would have probably faced an even greater tragedy had he not shown the courage he showed.

“To his wife, to his family, to his colleague, to all police officers, I want to extend my deepest condolences on my behalf and on behalf of the Government of Quebec. We share your grief and we will always be recognizing that he was a hero. In fact, he embodied the very best of our nation: courage, selfless involvement, dedication.”

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada described the procession as “very emotional.”

“I want to thank Montrealers who showed up today,” the mayor said. “It was important not only to remember the ultimate sacrifice of Mohamed, but also remember that police officers decided to do this job, and decided to do the job to protect and serve, and that’s what they did, and that’s what Mohamed did.

“So to his family, to his wife, to the mother, the father, the sisters, friends, and especially colleagues of the SPVM, all my condolences from my part and the City of Montreal.”

Martinez Ferrada invited members of the public, officers, and Benredouane’s family to city hall on Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to sign a book of condolences. A message of condolence can also be sent by email to condoleances@spvm.qc.ca for anyone unable to attend in person.

Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière, a former police officer himself, said Montrealers showing up to pay their respects and honour law enforcement will have a tangible effect on officers across the province.

“At the end of the day, police officers are serving their communities, so seeing communities being present, it means a lot,” Lafrenière expressed. “During the march, we saw many people taking their hat off, saluting. For police officers, it’s going to help them tomorrow to do their duty, because this is a really tough moment for them. We’ll be there to support them, and we’re all united.”

–With files from Lola Kalder, CityNews, and The Canadian Press