A piece of history honouring a murdered Cobourg Police Officer has been in a closet at the Cobourg Police Station for at least a year.
A copy of the Star of Courage which was on display for several years in the Cobourg Police Station has been taken down along with other items the service had received honouring Constable Chris Garrett who was murdered in the early hours of May 15, 2004.
“It’s a travesty it’s not up for display,” said one officer.
“It’s a sign of disrespect. People here have worked with Constable Garrett and his medal is a great reminder of his bravery.”
Garrett was lured to the area of the former hospital on Chapel Street to a report of a robbery. But the alleged victim, 18-year-old Troy Davey had a list of plans to murder numerous people starting with reporting a phoney robbery.
“Chaos is coming,” was on a list of what Davey had planned.
While Garrett was taking notes, Davey attacked him with a knife. Though mortally wounded Garrett ran after his attacker firing his service weapon, striking him in the leg on the final shot. Garrett died at the scene.
Davey phoned his mother to take him to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot would where he was arrested.
In February 2007, Davey was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Garrett was nominated for a bravery award, but was turned down because of a two-year deadline from the date of the murder to the conclusion of the trial.
The Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations stated the application had to be within two years of the incident, but since Garrett was murdered in 2004 and the trial concluded in 2007 it was beyond the two year deadline.
With the support of people from across Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper amended the Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations to read, Nominations must be submitted within two years after the day on which (a) the incident or act of bravery occurred, or (b) a public entity, including a court, a quasi-judicial tribunal or a coroner, has concluded its review concerning the circumstances surrounding the incident or act of bravery.”
A copy of the changes were presented to the applicants for Garrett exactly seven years ago (December 13, 2007) allowing Garrett to be nominated.
Over two years later, the Star of Courage presented to posthumously in June 2009 by the Governor General of Canada Michelle Jean to Constable Garrett’s son Ben and Garrett’s father Gord in Rideau Hall, Ottawa.
http://oc50.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/121-64080
The Cobourg Police Service had a copy of the Star of Courage and hanging prominently in their station, but numerous officers have told Today’s Northumberland the display, including the Star of Courage was taken down over a year ago because of renovations taking place.
Some of the items, including the Star of Courage were placed in a closet at the police station where they have been for over a year.
Today’s Northumberland managed to obtain photos of the Star of Courage in the closet at the station.
A e-mail was sent to the Chair of the Police Services Board and the Cobourg Police Chief on Sunday, December 9, 2018 concerning the Star of Courage not being on display. As yet, there has been no reply.
“I’d like to bring up something that I would respectfully ask be addressed immediately.
Several months ago it was brought to my attention the Star of Courage medal that Constable Chris Garrett received posthumously for his actions in the early morning hours of May 15, 2004 was in a closet at the Cobourg Police Service. And has been there for well over a year.
It was something that frankly, I couldn’t believe.
As one of two people who nominated Constable Garrett for his actions that night I find it appalling that the medal presented to Constable Garrett’s son by the Governor General herself was in a closet.
I’ve now heard it is in the closet because of renovations that have taken
place or are soon to take place.
I’m well aware that there were numerous artifacts that were presented to the Cobourg Police Service shortly after Constable Garrett’s murder. I can fully appreciate that not all may be able to be on display when they are relocated. But I also firmly believe the Star of Courage presented by the Governor General of Canada should have never ever been put in a closet for more than a day, let alone over a year.
It should be displayed prominently where members of the service and the public can view it.
I will further state there is nothing I can think of more that should be
displayed in the Cobourg Police Service then the Star of Courage for a
fallen Cobourg Police Officer.
When large photos of Special Constables interacting with the public are
displayed in the foyer over the past year while the medal and frame sits in a closet isn’t right.
I am also aware there are plans for a display of honours Constable Garrett was awarded to be placed at the station at a future date that hasn’t been determined.
Constable Garrett’s murder shook this town to the core and should never be forgotten. It took the determination of thousands of people across Canada to change the Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations to allow Constable Garrett to be nominated.
I will ask with the utmost urgency the Star of Courage be displayed in a
place of prominence in the Police Service sometime this week.
Putting a nail in a wall, to hang such an honour for a fallen Cobourg Police Officer wouldn’t take a great deal of effort. And frankly, should have been done immediately after it was removed from the original location.
Thank you
Pete Fisher
Photojournalist
Today’s Northumberland and Beyond
“Education through communication”
905.373.2895″
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
