A York region police officer killed in the line of duty was remembered Wednesday as a charming, dedicated family man who never lost his sense of humour.
As many as 6,000 police officers from Canada and the U.S., as well as friends, family and dignitaries, attended Const. Rob Plunkett's funeral in Newmarket, Ont.
Plunkett died last week when he was struck by a vehicle while trying to make an arrest.
During the service, Const. Scott Lobb, an officer with the Orangeville, Ont. force and Plunkett's nephew, spoke of the father-of-three's unrelenting sense of humour and kindness.
"We'll miss his jokes, the funny emails, and the little pranks that would always get a chuckle out of everyone," Lobb said.
"Rob was a leader, a mentor, a confidante, an adviser, and a support person, but above all, he was sweet. He cherished us and never hesitated to show it."
Lobb reminisced about family milestones, telling the crowd the 42-year-old was always eager to welcome a new addition to their clan.
"Every new bride in our family will recall a magic wedding moment when Rob would ask them to dance, and whisk them off their feet," Lobb said, his police hat shielding his teary eyes.
"He would always be one of the first to reach out and hold our new babies upon arrival at family gatherings."
Plunkett encouraged nephew to join police force
The young officer said his uncle treated him like a fellow man-in-blue as soon as he decided he wanted to protect and serve.
"Growing up, Rob was one of my first role models," Lobb said.
"He encouraged me to follow my passion -- policing -- and he treated me like a team member the minute I had an interest."
Plunkett, a 22-year-veteran of the force, earned a bravery award in 1998 for rescuing a senior from a frozen lake, and worked with the Special Olympics for more than 20 years.
He was investigating air bag thefts when he tried to apprehend a suspect last Thursday and was hit by a vehicle.
He was dragged by the car, pinned to a tree and thrown onto a residential street in Markham, just north of Toronto.
He was rushed to hospital, where he died a short time later.
Premier "amazed" by dedicated officer and family man
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty delivered the service's opening speech, expressing condolences on behalf of himself and people across the province.
"I'm here today on behalf of 13 million Ontarians to express our profound sympathies for your loss," McGuinty said.
"And help pay tribute to a dedicated police officer, husband, father and friend."
McGuinty said he lamented not knowing Plunkett.
"Like so many people across Ontario, I spent the last few days reading about him, learning about him, and being, frankly, amazed by this dedicated family man that was so many things to so many people," McGuinty said.
"People across this province read about him at breakfast, or perhaps over coffee, and slowly put down their papers and said a prayer of thanks that a guy like Rob could be out there day after day, putting it all on the line, keeping us safe."
Officers from all walks march in procession
After the two-hour service, thousands of police officers lined up and marched solemnly in a funeral procession.
Drills were shouted as the officers moved south down Yonge Street from the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, where the funeral was held.
The sea of blue was broken up by streaks of red as members of the RCMP joined regional officers in the procession.
The march passed honour guards of officers from Toronto, Durham.
Suspects in court while mourners say goodbye
As friends, family and colleagues paid their respects, the 19-year-old man charged in connection with Plunkett's death appeared in court.
Police upgraded the charge against Nadeem Jiwa from manslaughter to first-degree murder Tuesday. The accused was out on bail when Plunkett was killed.
Police allege Jiwa was with another man, who is also in court Wednesday, at the time of the incident.
Baseer Yousafzai, 23, is charged with breach of recognizance, theft and possession of stolen property, and mischief to property.
A statement released by the family said that they hoped the people behind the "senseless" act would be brought to justice.
The trust fund for Plunkett's wife Sonja and his three children, Amanda, Jeffrey and Mathew, has been set up at the Police Credit Union.
To donate, call the toll-free line at 1-877-242-8728. The account number is 5004461 and transit number is 63612-828.
With report's from CTV's Paul Bliss and Galit Solomon
