Twenty years ago, Shelley Atkinson recalls facing what she describes as the most challenging day of her life when her husband, Const. John Atkinson, was fatally shot while on duty as a police officer in Windsor. During times of grief, Shelley finds solace in a unique support network of widows who share a common bond.
The Survivors Of Law Enforcement (SOLE) group, which Shelley refers to as her “lifeline,” was established in 2011 following the death of an officer in Peel and officially became a non-profit organization in 2024. Currently comprising 25 members from across Ontario, the group consists of widows and widowers who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
Shelley expressed, “It’s a group that you never want to be part of, but when you’re in that situation, we are a group that you can’t live without.” She recounted the tragic events of May 5, 2006, when John, working in plain clothes and seconded to the OPP, was shot just blocks away from their home while intervening in an apparent drug deal at a gas station.
After receiving the devastating news of John’s death, Shelley faced the heart-wrenching task of informing their children. She vividly recalls the emotional moment when she had to reveal the tragic truth to her young son and daughter.
SOLE continues to be a source of strength and support for Shelley and other widows in Ontario, offering a platform for healing and camaraderie. The group remains in close contact, standing together through various milestones and challenges, including funerals and parole hearings.
Most recently, the group mourned the loss of OPP Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, who was killed in the line of duty in a crash on Highway 401 in Cobourg, Ontario. Reflecting on her own experience, Shelley emphasized the importance of having a supportive community like SOLE during times of profound loss and grief.
Looking ahead, Shelley is preparing for the possibility of upcoming parole hearings related to the individual responsible for John’s death. Despite the challenges she may face in the future, Shelley finds comfort in knowing that she has the unwavering support of her fellow SOLE members.
Shelley fondly remembers her late husband, John, as a devoted father, beloved family man, and respected police officer. Their enduring love and bond remain strong in her heart, even after all these years.