Husband of slain police officer talks about life since shooting

Steve Burns's life dramatically changed last Aug. 10.

His wife, Fredericton police officer SaraBurns, was shot and killed that morning, along with a fellow officer and two other residents.

Since the shootings, Burns has felt a roller-coaster of emotions, but one emotion he doesn't feel is anger.

"I can't really explain it," he said.

"She was doing what she loved and working for the community that she loved. We spent 24 awesome years together. I spent the day before with herI just have all these things I hold onto,and that's why I don't get angry about it."

Matthew Vincent Raymond, the man accused of killing Sara, her colleague RobbCostello, Donnie Robichaud and Bobbie Lee Wright, has made several court appearances and is now undergoing an examination to determine whether he is not criminally responsible.

Life after Sara

After losing his wife, Burnsfound himself in a situation he wasn't prepared for, a single parent to three boys.

His children have been strong through the whole ordeal, he said, pointingto a school essay his son wrote called "The Gift," which talks about living life to the fullest.

"You just never know what's going to happen," Burns said.

Burns, who has an internet technologycompany, said he's been able to take as much time as he's needed to deal with his wife's death.

He has also been grateful for the kindness of friends and strangers, saying he never had to make a phone call for help, because helpwas always offered.

Burns's life in the past six monthshas given him insight into the hardships many single parents face.

"I can't imagine being the father or mother of three children and having to work 40 hours a week," he said."It just blows my mind."

Remembering Sara Burns

There have been numerous events and fundraisers in Sara's honour.

Aitken's Pewter minted a special coin and Grimross Brewery released a special edition beer named after Sara's horse,Grimsby.

On Saturday night, singer KayleyHill, who competed onThe Voice,will perform ata fundraiser called Be My Valentineat the Fredericton Convention Centre. The event includes an auction.

Proceeds from the fundraisers go to the Sara Burns Police Memorial Fund.

The fund will help support work in mental health and wellness, women and violence, adult education and community safety.

"Those are the things that are near and dear to her heart and that's where this money will go," Burns said.

He said he hopes to get the memorial fund up to $1 million, after which it should be self-sufficient.

Steve said if Sarawere alive and able to see how much the city has come together to raise money, she would be proud.

Grimsby is available now

6 years ago

Duration 0:42

Grimross co-owner Stephen Dixon and his brewer set out to create a beer to honour fallen officer Sara Burns and give 100 percent of the money from sales to the memorial fund in her name.