This may not sit well with leaders in the community – but they need to get their act together.
They represent citizens and police in this area.
Today’s Northumberland has written about this lack of effort before – and will continue to do it when it sees fit.
Yesterday, (Thursday, September 26, 2024) the National Peace Officers’ Memorial “Run to Remember” stopped at Chris Garrett Memorial Park in Cobourg on the first day of their three day journey to Ottawa.
On Sunday, the National Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial takes place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
When the run begins in Toronto at the start of the run, obviously there is more media and dignitaries present including Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw.
In Cobourg, there was very little. No politicians, very few police and only Today’s Northumberland for media.
Each year since the start, the runners end fittingly at the park named in honour of the Cobourg Police officer who died protecting the citizens of Cobourg.
Garrett was killed on May 15, 2004 after responding to a person who said he’d been robbed.
Garrett was lured to his death and though mortally wounded Garrett fired his service weapon striking his murderer in the leg. His actions saved countless lives that day. The murderer had a plan that listed a plan of events stating chaos is coming.
The murderer planned to kill officers as they left the police station, homemade napalm and more.
It’s been 20 years since his murder and time moves on.
But Cobourg and surrounding area including Port Hope and OPP area should never forget the ultimate sacrifice – unfortunately, every year that seems to happen.
Politicians, police and citizens have lives to live – we’d never disagree on that.
But when a national run, that represents fallen police officers from across Canada stops at a park named in honour of a fallen officer right here in Cobourg some of those officers, politicians and leaders in the community should be be there.
Garrett was there when this community needed him. He gave his life for this town.
A small token of 30-minutes to an hour wouldn’t hurt to come out.
Cobourg’s Deputy Chief, Auxiliary Superintendent, communications person, Chair of the Police Services Board and a member of the Board were the only members present, or at least visible at Garrett’s Park. Cobourg Fire Chief Ellard Beaven was also present.
It’s not to say there wasn’t people waiting for the runners at the park, there were. There were citizens of Cobourg along with family members of Travis Gillespie who died in a head-on crash while on his way to work with York Region Police.
Constable Josalyn Hilts, Constable Jesse Sheppard and Special Constable Taylor Baldini should be commended for taking part in the run along with two Northumberland OPP motorcycle officers and members of the Cobourg Police Pipes and Drums (who volunteered their services). Cobourg Fire Chief Ellard
It was unfortunate that no dignitaries from Cobourg personally thanked them when they spoke. One speaker even mispronounced Garrett’s name.
In our view, policing shouldn’t be only about a pay cheque.
The “brotherhood” of policing is talked about – but by the looks of it sure doesn’t seem evident when the time comes to support one another and families of the fallen at Chris Garrett Memorial Park.
Today’s Northumberland is well aware that certain events such as memorials can trigger emotions, but there is absolutely no excuse why more, leaders in our community including politicians and police couldn’t be present.
It’s shameful and downright disrespectful.
Garrett exemplified what service and sacrifice is about.
The plaque next to the memorial is an absolute disgrace. It’s faded and barely readable and has been that way for years.
Being a officer isn’t just about showing up for events when you’re on duty. It’s about supporting one another and other services, the true meaning of the brothers in blue.
Previously in other years, local officers from the area have gone to the memorial service in Ottawa. It’s always made me wonder why they can’t show for their own community but can go to Ottawa. Curious if the association pays for that, or the person themselves.
After 20-years, we’ll say it again, local politicians from around the area, local police from around the area – do better.
Today’s Northumberland will always remember the service and sacrifice of what Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett did in the early hours of May 15, 2004.
It’s just too bad that some police and community leaders never seem to do the same.
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
