Constable Christopher George Garrett (1965-2004)
Chris Garrett was born in Kingston, Ontario on April 12 th, 1965 to Gord and Evelyn. The youngest of six children, he was pre-deceased by two brothers.
From 1969-1978 he attended Odessa Public School where he enjoyed drawing and spending time with family and friends. His obsession with woodworking really grew as he attended Ernestown Secondary School from 1978-1982.
The death of Chris’s elder brother in a car accident motivated Chris to want to become a police officer. Chris attended Loyalist College in Belleville from 1983-1985 where he was a Dean’s List student in the Law and Security course.
On March 23rd, 1986 Chris was hired by the Peel Regional Police Service. Chris served with the Peel Regional Police Service until he was hired at the Cobourg Police Service on May 14th, 1991.
In December 1993, Chris successfully completed one of the first Provincial Use of Force Trainers’ Course at the Ontario Police College. Chris took his position as the Police Service’s Use of Force Trainer very seriously and worked hard for many years training members in use of force techniques.
In 2003 Chris became the 21C of his platoon and was often in an Acting Sergeant position. In May of 2003 Chris successfully completed the Ontario Police College Police Supervision and Leadership Course.
Chris’s personnel file contained numerous commendations from his supervisors and thank you letters from citizens.
Constable Chris Garrett was murdered on May 15th, 2004 after responding to a 911 call of a reported robbery victim.
Despite being fatally wounded, he was able to shoot his assailant, thus interrupting a chain of events that may have had tragic consequences in Cobourg.
Everyone who knew Chris knew that his family was the most important focus in his life. When you spoke with Chris you could hear in his voice the true love and passion he had for everyone close to him. Chris Garrett left behind a wife and two children.
Although encouraged by management to enter the promotional process, Chris was happiest out on the street fighting crime. He died like he wanted to live, being the first officer on the scene.
Chris would have said he was only doing his job but, he will forever be a hero to all of us. He will be missed.