It has been 22 years since Chris Garrett was murdered in the line of duty, but for those who knew him, worked beside him and the community he served, the pain and emotions surrounding his death remain as powerful as ever.
On Friday morning, members of the Cobourg Police Service, Port Hope Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, retired officers, firefighters and residents gathered at Chris Garrett Memorial Park to remember the fallen officer whose final actions prevented what could have become one of the deadliest tragedies in the history of Cobourg.
In the early morning hours of May 15, 2004, Garrett responded to what was believed to be a robbery call at the former hospital parking lot at Chapel and D’Arcy Streets shortly after 3 a.m.
But the robbery never happened.
Investigators later learned the 911 call had been fabricated specifically to lure a police officer to the isolated parking lot. Waiting there was an 18-year-old armed with a knife and carrying out a plan that authorities later described as deeply disturbing.
While Garrett was taking notes from the suspect, he was suddenly attacked and mortally wounded.
Despite suffering a fatal injury, Garrett immediately pursued his attacker, firing multiple shots before collapsing. One of the bullets struck the suspect in the leg.
That single act of determination and courage likely prevented a mass casualty event.
Court documents later revealed the attacker had intended to kill a police officer, steal the cruiser and continue a deadly rampage through the town, targeting numerous people before making a final stand at Northumberland Mall.
Instead, Garrett’s actions stopped the plan before it could unfold.
The teenager later went to hospital with his mother for treatment to the gunshot wound and in 2007 was convicted of first-degree murder.
For many who gathered Friday morning, there remains one question that can never truly be answered — why.
Why Garrett was targeted.
Why a young officer dedicated to protecting his community had to die.
And why a family, police service and town were forever changed by one senseless act of violence.
Garrett was later posthumously awarded the Star of Courage by the Governor General of Canada for his extraordinary bravery.
The citation stated:
“On May 15, 2004, Constable Christopher Garrett lost his life, while on duty, after trying to prevent an unstable young man from escaping the scene of a crime in Cobourg, Ontario. After making a 911 call to report a false robbery, and to lure a police officer to an abandoned parking lot, the young man attacked Constable Garrett with a knife. Despite being critically wounded, Constable Garrett attempted to pursue his attacker and fired multiple shots, hitting the man in the leg before collapsing and succumbing to his own injuries. Through his final act of courage, Constable Garrett prevented his assailant from carrying out a plan to harm his fellow police officers and citizens.”
Among those speaking during the ceremony was Scott Bambridge, who was a Detective Constable with Cobourg Police at the time of Garrett’s death and is now a Staff Sergeant.
Clearly emotional throughout portions of his remarks, Bambridge reflected on the horror of that night and the lasting impact it continues to have on everyone connected to the service.
“Today we come together to remember and honour Constable Chris Garrett – a dedicated police officer, a colleague, and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our community.”
Bambridge said Garrett served the citizens of Cobourg with professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment.
Looking back to that morning, Bambridge said he vividly remembers being awakened and called into work shortly after 3 a.m., rushing toward the scene without knowing exactly what awaited him.
“In the face of unexpected and unimaginable danger, he acted with courage and selflessness,” said Bambridge.
“Even after being critically injured, his actions helped prevent further harm – a true reflection of his character and the values he lived by every single day.”
As officers, firefighters and civilians stood quietly listening beneath grey skies Friday morning, Bambridge spoke about how Garrett’s legacy has endured over more than two decades.
Each year the community returns to the memorial park not only to remember Garrett’s sacrifice, but also to reaffirm the bond shared by first responders and the community they serve.
“We reaffirm an important truth: Chris Garrett will never be forgotten,” Bambridge said.
“His legacy lives on in the work we do, in the standards we uphold, and in the commitment we carry forward to serve our community with the same courage and compassion he demonstrated.”
Referencing the recent death of Northumberland OPP Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, Bambridge added words that resonated deeply among those gathered.
“When one of us falls, we all stumble.”
He urged those attending to reflect not only on Garrett’s sacrifice, but also on the example he set through his service and dedication to others.
“Let us take a moment to reflect – not only on the sacrifice Chris made, but on the example he set.”
“In remembering him, we honour all those who stand in harm’s way to keep others safe.”
“Chris Garrett died as he lived – serving others.”
“We will remember him, we will honour him and we will carry his legacy forward.”
Following Bambridge’s remarks, Director of Corporate Services Gina Wilson, who also knew Garrett personally, read an emotional poem titled “End of Watch – Chris Garrett #221.”
The poem reflected on Garrett’s courage, sacrifice and the enduring impact he continues to have on those who knew him and those who wear the badge today.
“The radio falls to a quiet tone,
A voice once steady, now softly gone,
Badge two-two-one held the line—
A life of duty, yours, not mine.”
Wilson’s voice cracked at times as many in the crowd bowed their heads quietly listening.
The poem concluded with the words:
“You rest now where the brave belong,
Carried in memory, steadfast and strong,
For though we mourn, we also see—
Your sacrifice lives endlessly.”
More than two decades later, the memorial service served as a reminder that while time continues to move forward, the loss of Chris Garrett remains deeply woven into the fabric of the Cobourg community.
For fellow officers, Garrett is remembered not only as a police officer, but as a friend and colleague.
For residents, he remains a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
And for a town forever changed by tragedy, his name and legacy continue to endure.
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
