The city of Moncton is preparing for an influx of thousands of police officers as it plans an RCMP regimental funeral service for the three Mounties shot dead last week.

Gary Miner is one of an estimated 7,000 visitors expected to travel to the city of about 70,000 for Tuesday. The York Region RCMP duty inspector arrived in New Brunswick with several of his fellow officers on Monday.

“We’re here to support them, and we’re here to show our support,” said Miner.

And the people of Moncton are returning that support. With limited hotel space in the area, the city’s mayor put out a call to the community asking anyone with a spare bed to help put up an officer for the night. About 800 families are opening up their doors to accommodate those without a room.

The funeral procession for Const. Dave Ross, Const. Fabrice Gevaudan and Const. Douglas Larche will begin at 11:45 a.m. AT tomorrow.

  • Watch the R‎egimental Funeral live starting at noon AT / 11 a.m. ET on CTVNews.ca, CTV News GO and CTV News Channel

RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said the aftermath of the tragedy is still far from settled, but the force is hoping to offer support for the fallen officers’ families.

“It's very difficult to make sense of it, difficult to comprehend what's happening,” said Paulson. “The focus for us is looking after the families.”

“These officers are consistently described by their loved ones or their wives as dedicated as committed, hungry officers, all very enthusiastic about the work. And I'm so very saddened that we've lost them,” he added.

Hundreds have already attended the public visitation set up Monday, laying flowers, balloons and other tokens of support and condolences for the three men and their families.

“It’s not easy at all, but when you see all this -- I mean, I’ve got goose bumps, and my heart is aching. There are no words to express it,” said Diane Rousseau-Weaver, aunt of Const. Dave Ross.

“Thank you, thank you to each one of you who have supported us through prayers, through flowers and candles and crosses and trees and everything.”

Const. Jullie Rogers-Marsh of the New Brunswick RCMP says her fellow officers are also touched by the public’s actions.

“It means everything,” she said “It’s amazing.”

Rogers-Marsh said there will be limited public space available for Tuesday’s service, but that at least nine community centres, churches and other spaces will be opening up to host a remote viewing of the regimental funeral.

Several streets in Moncton will be closed for the event, and regular public transportation in the city has also been cancelled in anticipation of the congestion.

The prime minister, governor general and NDP leader Thomas Mulcair are among those planning to be in attendance tomorrow.

But for some, the funeral will be especially tough. It won’t be the first police funeral for Const. Don Shannon, but it will be the first for a friend.

“The difference is I know him. I spent time with him,” said the Saint John police officer, who was close with Const. Larch. “And that’s what I’m trying to wrap my head around.”

“What my friend went through -- that is every police officer’s worst nightmare.”