Const. John Atkinson, a 14-year veteran of the Windsor Police Service, was shot outside a convenience store in the city's east end on May 5.

Thousands of police officers from across North America – including several hundred TPS members – converged on the University of Windsor 's St. Denis Centre on Thursday to pay tribute to the fallen officer – many of whom wore black armbands adorned with the fallen officer's badge number – 6744.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty described Atkinson as a “good and decent man” who was dedicated to his family, friends and community.

“Words can't possibly replace a husband and a dad,” said McGuinty, who spoke directly to Atkinson's wife Shelley and their two children, Mitchell and Nicole.

“We are so grateful that you and the children shared John with us.”

McGuinty said all Ontarians will think of Atkinson when they see an officer racing to a scene with lights blazing and sirens sounding.

“We'll remember him – we will remember John Atkinson because he was a true hero, not just on the day he was taken from us, but everyday he shared with us.”

Appointed a constable in 1992, he worked in all patrol areas of the city, eventually joining the mobile surveillance team in 2000 and three years later seconded to the provincial anti-terrorism section.

But it was his commitment to his family, friends and immediate neighbourhood that made Atkinson close to many around him.

“He was well-known with affection as the neighbourhood watch-dog,” said Windsor Police Chief Glen Stannard, who heard from many of Atkinson's commitment to making his neighbourhood safer.

“He was full of life and he loved life.”

Const. John Atkinson is the first Windsor officer to be slain in the more than 120 years the city's police force has existed.

Two 18-year-olds have been charged with first-degree murder.