Memories don’t fade from what happened in drizzly, dark night almost 20 years ago.
It will be 19 years since Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett was murder in the line of duty in the early hours of May 15, 2004.
It changed everyone involved forever and left a community devastated.
Chris was lured to his death by someone who called 9-1-1 and said they were robbed on Chapel Street near D’Arcy Street at the former hospital that was vacant at the time.
While Chris was taking notes he was mortally wounded by an 18-year-old that had no previous dealings with police.
Chris had moments to live, but instead of seeking help for himself, he went after his assailant and on his last shot struck him in the leg. He would be later taken to the hospital by his mother, while a good cop lay dead.
It was a rainy night and all the horrors come back like it was yesterday.
The assailant had a manifesto of what he had planned to do that early morning. Sketches of himself dressed with numerous weapons, home made bombs made from gasoline and Styrofoam etc.
He wanted to kill police as they exited the police station.
To make his “last stand” at a nearby mall.
But because of a good cop, the assailant never got to see his plans to fruition.
Every year on May 15 we gather at a park named in his honour on Birchwood Trail at noon to remember Chris. His family and friends will be there.
Most of the police who were on that night have retired. But they still come back each year to remember and honour Chris.
He paid the ultimate sacrifice to the citizens of Cobourg – Lest We Forget – a hero to us all.
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
