For video of funeral CLICK HERE
It’s been 18-years since a Cobourg Police officer was murdered in the line of duty.
Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett was murdered on May 15, 2004.
It was approximately 3:15 am when a phoney robbery call came into Cobourg Police.
Garrett was in the dispatch centre of the Service and was the first to respond.
Speaking to the victim who said he was robbed at knifepoint on Chapel Street near D’Arcy Street, Garrett was suddenly attacked and mortally wounded by the person claiming to be the victim who was a 18-year-old at the time who had no previous dealing with the police.
Garrett pursued his attacker firing his service weapon striking him with the last shot.
The suspect was later arrested and convicted of first degree murder.
To Garrett’s family, coworkers and friends the years go by. And each year, we remember a police officer who was murdered while trying to help someone who claimed they were a victim.
In doing so, Garrett saved countless lives. That’s a fact and in the judges decision on February 22, 2007 he stated Garrett was what we all knew – a hero.
Every single day police officers in Cobourg and across Canada put their lives on the line for the safety of – us. They talk to victims from every walk of life. The rich the poor, The good and the bad. It doesn’t matter. And more and more, police are judged and ridiculed by the public. It’s not the job it used to be.
Sure there are bad cops, but the good far outnumber the bad. But it seems only the bad ones get the press coverage.
Cops aren’t mind readers. Garrett never knew what was going to happen that night as he left the police station for the final time to help someone.
Nowadays more than ever cops have to be so much more than just “police.”
They are taunted to get a reaction from people who may not be satisfied the way they were treated.
Social workers, counsellors. And all in the eyes of the public who second guess their every move like armchair quarterbacks.
Chris was a good cop. He didn’t deserve his fate. No cop ever would.
It was a nightmare being on scene shortly after Chris was murdered.
Each year when the date comes around, the night comes back. A darker than usual rainy night.
On May 15, 2004, it’s not only Chris and his family I think of.
It’s the officers from Cobourg Police, Port Hope Police and Northumberland OPP who were there that night. The dispatchers who are always the unsung heroes behind the scenes.
The community of Cobourg came together following Garrett’s murder. We all mourned. High school students walked up to the police station. Signs on restaurants offering condolences.
And since then, every year people come to Chris Garrett Memorial Park to remember a fine officer who was murdered while trying to help someone.
Police and people at the Park talk to Chris’ mother and sisters and to reminisce about the year. It’s good to see them each year, but not for the reason why.
People who were there that night or were involved in anyway will always be there for one another and especially for Chris’ family.
If I could ask anything of anyone, please, on this May 15 just randomly – thank a cop.
In honour of Chris.
For full story of what happened on May 15, 2004 click below
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
