It's been an unbelievably devastating week for the South Simcoe Police Service with the shooting deaths of Const. Devon Northrup and Const. Morgan Russell, who were killed in the line of duty after responding to a "disturbance" call in Alcona on Tuesday night.
“This incident provides a stark reminder of the dangers our members put themselves in every day to protect the communities they serve. This is a reminder of the unwavering courage, bravery and devotion they display every time they put on their uniform," Mark Baxter, president of the Police Association of Ontario (PAO), said in a statement. “This is a tremendous loss for our entire policing community and incidents like this cause us all to pause and reflect."
The officers responded to the call at the Innisfil home around 8 p.m., Tuesday. After an "exchange of gunfire" inside the home with a 23-year-old man, the wounded officers were rushed to a hospital by emergency run where one of them died. The second officer was airlifted to a Toronto trauma centre and succumbed to his injuries early Wednesday morning. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been called in.
There have now been four police officers killed in Ontario in the past month. On Sept. 12, Toronto police Const. Andrew Hong was killed in an ambush attack in Mississauga, and on Sept. 14, York Regional Police Const. Travis Gillespie was died while driving to work when he was struck by an alleged impaired driver.
"To put that in perspective, at the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial in Ottawa on Sept. 25, six officers were honoured from across the entire country who died in the line of duty over a three-year period from 2019-2021," read part of the PAO's statement.
Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard extended his "deepest sympathies" to the families of Russell, 54, and Northrup, 33, and the South Simcoe Police Service family.
"It’s a heartbreaking time for our police service," he said. "I also want to thank members of the Barrie Police Service, York Regional Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Innisfil Fire Service, and County of Simcoe Paramedics Service who responded to this terrible tragedy and continue to support the South Simcoe Police Service.
"We are sadly reminded of the danger officers face every day. I know that Barrie-Innisfil will support the families and policing community in the difficult days and weeks ahead as they mourn this shattering loss," the MP added.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin also recognized the passion and dedication the fallen South Simcoe officers had for their community.
"I have so much respect for what police officers do, day in and day out. When they leave their homes and families, they never know what the day will have in store," she said. "They could have chosen any profession, but they choose to serve the community no matter the situation.
"No words can express the loss to the families of Const. Devon Northrup and Const. Morgan Russel and my heart goes out to them. These constables were so passionate about their service and were leaders in helping with mental health and distress calls," Khanjin added. "The horrible news reminds us of the dangers that our brave men and women in public service face everyday, the bravery it takes to choose to serve for the greater good as a police officer, and the sacrifices they take on to keep our communities safe."
The PAO urges all members and anyone else who is suffering from the Innisfil tragedy to make use of support networks and all available resources. Support is available to residents through CMHA- Simcoe County's 24/7 crisis line (1-888-893-8333) and Kids Help Phone (1-800-688-6868).
