The widow and one son of slain Ottawa Eric Czapnik spoke Friday after watching five sometimes graphic and emotional days of court proceedings.

Anna Korutowska, widow of Const. Eric Czapnik, became emotional when discussing the trial of the man accused of killing her husband. (CBC)

Anna Korutowska started to choke up when she spoke to reporters outside the Ottawa courthouse.

She said the pictures and descriptions of the morning her husband was stabbed to death have been difficult to watch and listen to.

Testimony earlier this week from both paramedic eyewitnesses and police officers has given some insight into the morning of Czapnik's death.

Two paramedics also said Wednesday they saw the accused, Kevin Gregson, on top of Czapnik using a stabbing motion. Then, after they had handcuffed the former RCMP officer, the paramedics told the court he said: "I just needed a gun. If he'd just given me the gun."

Details have forced one of Czapnik's sons to leave the courtroom, especially when autopsy photos were shown in court.

But Korutowska said hearing from the police officers, paramedics and other medical staff who responded did help put a "face behind the heroes".

"I appreciate the opportunity of listening to them," she said outside the courthouse.

"I get a little emotional talking about it, but they [paramedics] are true heroes. They're amazing people and I don't know how they've done it. They were very composed."

Ex-Mountie charged in Ottawa police officer's death

Gregson, now 45, is charged with first-degree murder for killing Czapnik, 51.

Gregson is also charged with robbery in relation to a carjacking the night before the stabbing. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Czapnik's family, including his wife, daughter and three sons, has watched the trial unfold over the first five days.

Lucas Czapnik said he has learned more about the honour of being a police officer during the trial. (CBC)

Czapnik's son Lucas spoke about the honour of being a police officer, which he has learned more about throughout the trial.

"I think it's one of the greatest things you can give back in that way," Lucas Czapnik said of police work.

"My father really showcased that and every officer that we come across — at least 10 of them a day come in [the courtroom] — the struggle they go through and the things that they do for us is really amazing."

Lucas Czapnik also said his younger brother wants to be a police officer to carry on the family tradition.

The trial began Monday and is expected to last a month.