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OPP Constable Vu Pham.

Thousands expected at OPP officer's funeral

570 News - The Canadian Press Mar 11, 2010 04:08:29 AM

Thousands of police officers are expected to attend a funeral in Wingham tomorrow for OPP Constable Vu Pham.

He was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle on a rural road north of London on Monday.

Formal charges were laid yesterday against the suspect in Pham's death.

70-year-old Fred Preston of Sundridge has been charged with first-degree murder. He was also charged with the attempted murder after allegedly shooting at another officer who arrived on the scene.

Pham's funeral will be held at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex at 1:00 p.m.

Visitation will be held today at McBurney Funeral Home in Wingham.

Pham, a 15-year veteran of the force arrived in Canada 30 years ago from Vietnam. The first person he lived with was Elmira's Ruth Scwhindt who describes him as, "an all around Canadian boy...[who] grew up to be an excellent man and a very good police officer."

The 78-year-old tells 570 News that she and her husband picked up the then 7-year-old Pham at the Toronto airport, and took him home to Elmira to start a new life. 

Schwindt says she watched with pride as Pham grew into a man of character and integrity.

She says Pham came to visit her over Christmas at the nursing home she lives at and that was the last time she saw him.

Meantime, a trust fund has been set up for Pham's three sons.

Donations can be made at all Scotiabank branches (Account # 410120217921).

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