Video – Photo Gallery – Run to Remember Arrives in Cobourg, Honouring Fallen Officers

Pete Fisher
4 hours ago
• Categories: Community, Local, Police Blotter

The sound of bagpipes filled Chris Garrett Memorial Park Thursday (September 24, 2026) evening as the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Run arrived in Cobourg, marking the completion of the first leg of a three-day journey to Parliament Hill.

The runners were greeted by the Cobourg Police Service Pipes and Drums, who played as the group entered the park and again at the conclusion of the ceremony with a poignant rendition of Amazing Grace.

The annual run, established in 2005, was created by the Peel Regional Police running team known as The Pacers.

Their goal was simple — raise awareness of the annual Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Parliament Hill while honouring police and peace officers who lost their lives serving their communities and country.

The relay will continue toward Ottawa, where it will conclude this weekend at the National Memorial on Parliament Hill ahead of the annual memorial service Sunday, September 27.

For one of the runners, however, arriving in Cobourg is about much more than another stop along the route.

John “Johnnie” Walker, a retired Peel Regional Police detective and one of the original founders of the run, was in the same recruit class as Constable Chris Garrett — the Cobourg officer killed in the line of duty in 2004.

Walker said this year’s visit marked his 21st time taking part.

“Of the 22 years, it was Randy Patrick, the retired deputy chief from Peel, and I that started this,” Walker said.

“We’re 24 runners. Without the fanfare that we got afterwards, we had no idea.”

Patrick was unable to attend this year, but Walker said he expects his longtime running partner will return.

“Unfortunately, Randy couldn’t be here, but he’s envious,” he said. “I could see him coming back. If not next year, it’ll be soon.”

For Walker, the emotional connection to Cobourg goes back four decades.

He and Garrett were recruits together in 1986.

“So much emotion when it first started — just spontaneously touching of Chris Garrett’s monument — and it’s carried on that tradition today,” Walker said.

“Chris and I were recruits together, May of ’86. We were in the same recruit class and then it was hard to believe that he was murdered here in Cobourg after he left Peel and started his next career here.”

Walker paused before describing what the annual return to Cobourg means to him.

“So this is really deep and near and dear to my heart.”

Cobourg Police Chief Chris Leather told those gathered that the arrival of the runners was an opportunity for the community to remember officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s an honour to welcome the National Peace Officers Memorial Run to Cobourg,” Leather said.

“This evening provides an opportunity to come together in remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for the police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.”

Leather said the runners represent the lasting impact the deaths of officers have on their families, colleagues and communities.

“The runners before us are a powerful symbol of the profound impact these losses have had on our families, friends, colleagues, and communities, and our enduring commitment to ensuring those who have fallen are never forgotten.”

He also pointed to the local officers whose names remain part of Cobourg’s history.

“Here locally, this rings true as we remember Constable William O’Rourke, Constable Chris Garrett, and OPP Sergeant Brandon Malcolm.”

Behind Leather stood Hero’s Flight, the memorial sculpture dedicated to Garrett.

“It serves as a lasting reminder that while those we have lost may be gone, they are never forgotten,” Leather said.

“To the families and friends and colleagues of fallen officers, please know that your loved ones continue to be remembered and honored by communities across the country.”

Leather then asked everyone to observe a moment of silence.

A widow’s emotional connection

Among those watching the motorcycles prepare to leave the park was Jenny Hong, whose husband, Toronto Police Constable Hong, was killed in the line of duty.

After the ceremony, she quietly approached one of the police motorcycles.

On its front fender was an emblem honouring her husband.

She stood for a moment looking at it.

As she stepped back, the police officer beside the motorcycle told her:

“It’s not going anywhere.”

For Hong, the moment was deeply emotional.

Speaking with Today’s Northumberland afterward, she said returning to events like this remains difficult — but important.

“Oh, it’s very emotional. Every year I come. Every year I come, every year I cry,” Hong said.

“See my husband’s face. He’s going down the aisle, all the pipers and they’re playing and seeing all the bikes.”

Hong’s husband was a Toronto police officer and member of the motorcycle squad. He also served as a trainer.

She said Cobourg and its police service have continued to honour fallen officers with tremendous care.

“They do. They do it the best they can.”

For Hong, the significance extends far beyond her own family.

“It means a lot to us widows and all,” she said.

“All of our husbands died differently, of course, on duty, but we all loved them. We all love them. We all had a family.”

She said the memorial run provides something that families of fallen officers need — the assurance that their loved ones have not been forgotten.

“For us to come here, it means a lot to us because it just only tells us how our loved ones will always be remembered,” Hong said.

“And that’s what this event is all about, that we will never be forgotten. Our husband’s sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The journey to Ottawa carries another emotional moment for the families.

“And then all the way leading to Ottawa, of course,” she said.

“And then, of course, we get to see their names on the wall, which is not easy for us, but it is so important to us.”

Hong said the support shown along the route means more than people may realize.

“And we are so thankful.”

The runners will continue their journey toward Ottawa, carrying with them the names and memories of officers who never made it home.

And for the families left behind, the message is perhaps the most important part of the entire three-day journey:

They will never be forgotten.