Editorial – It certainly was a roller coaster day of emotion on May 15, 2019.
Starting off with marking the 15th year of the murder of Constable Chris Garrett.
I don’t like calling it an “anniversary” as to me, an anniversary means something different.
It was great to see the people at Chris’ park in Cobourg, many retired Cobourg officers and especially great to see the Garrett family who are always in our hearts.
Two special friends of mine came to the Park as a surprise. It was amazing and something I will always remember.
About an hour after that came the call to Canadian Tire.
A car had driven through the Garden Centre at a high rate of speed. One person was struck by debris.
The speed through the parking lot and the devastation and debris everywhere in the Garden Centre, talking with people, it was a miracle more people weren’t struck.
An elderly man appeared to be the driver and there has been much speculation on social media, but let’s all take a deep breath and wait for the results of the police investigation.
As the accident at the Garden Centre was on private property it’s my understanding there can’t be any charges under the Highway Traffic Act.
The car was towed from the scene and will be inspected thoroughly.
A woman was airlfted from the local hospital to be taken to a trauma centre.
The thoughts of everyone is that we all hope she will be ok.
A tip of the hat has to go to the Canadian Tire staff.
Arriving shortly after the incident I can say from seeing it first hand they were all amazing, extremely professional in helping with people who were obviously traumatized with what they witnessed and we apart of.
A comforting hug, asking if they were ok, offering water, and more. They should all be proud of the way they handled themselves in a chaotic situation.
Next it was off to St. James Anglican Church in Roseneath for the decommissioning of the church at 7 p.m.
The suspicious fire destroyed the church that was built in 1863 left the community in shock and fear.
It was the third suspicious fire in a short period of time.
There were approximately 120 parishioners who came out on Wednesday evening for the service along with firefighters who tried in vain to save the church.
Not being a regular church goer, but covering the story and listening to the hymns, it was a sense of community that was overwhelming.
Sadness that the historic church was gone. But a community also coming together for each other to say, “we are alright.”
At the end of the service, the congregation sang “Amazing Grace,” then someone yelled “hallelujah to the firefighters,” and people applauded.
It was a day to remember, a day to comfort others, to realize how precious life is, and a day where people came together as one to go forward with life.
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
