Family, friends, co-workers and those that never knew Constable Chris Garrett gathered at the park named in his honour to remember his sacrifice 18-years after he was murdered.
This was the first time since COVID people gathered at Chris Garrett Memorial Park.
Garrett’s mother and his three sisters came from Kingston and met with members of the Cobourg Police Service, Northumberland OPP and Durham Regional Police.
There were a number of officers who have retired. It came to pay respects and speak with the family.
Garrett was murdered on May 15, 2004 when he was lured to the former hospital and murdered. The murderer had a long list of things planned for that fateful night.
“Chaos is coming” the murderer wrote that began with killing a police officer.
Many others killings were planned, but even though Garrett was mortally wounded he chased after his killer firing his service weapon. Striking him in the leg with the last round.
Garrett died at the scene a short time later.
The killer was arrested attending Northumberland Hills Hospital a short time later to be treated for his bullet wound. He was convicted of first degree murder on February 22, 2007.
Garrett’s shiftmate, John Roughly has brought flowers each year and placed them at the site of the killing on Chapel Street.
This year was no different as Roughly who has long since retired, tied the bouquet of flowers along with the number 221 (Garrett’s badge number) to a tree.
No senior management or members of the Police Services Board were in attendance for the gathering.
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
