Canada

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Cst. Jennifer Kovach poses in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Guelph Police Service

Thousands of police officers from across Ontario are expected to gather in Guelph, Ont., today to pay tribute to a policewoman killed in the line of duty last week.

Guelph police Const. Jennifer Kovach, 26, died a week ago today when her cruiser crossed the centre line and collided with a Guelph Transit bus.

She was responding to another officer's call for assistance at the time.

A public funeral is being held today at the Sleeman Centre following a police procession.

Guelph's police chief has described Kovach as a vibrant and dynamic woman who fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a police officer.

She was the daughter of Gloria Kovach, a longtime city councillor and former president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The Police Association of Ontario said the constable made the ultimate sacrifice to keep her community and coworkers safe.

"We celebrate her life and her commitment to the community and profession she served," the association's president, Dave McFadden, said in a statement.