THE BRIDGE

“Every bridge that you see from southern Ontario up to Sudbury, every name that you see, I want it to be that light that someone can see themselves as being the person that protects their community, and gives to their community selflessly. I think that every bridge has that potential and I know that this one does, especially for Cobourg.” Sgt Jeff Sheils

The Cobourg Police Service was very proud to unveil a bridge dedicated in honour of the late Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett, who was murdered in the early hours of May 15, 2004 while responding to an alleged robbery.

The dedication of the County Road 45 bridge at exit 474 over Hwy. 401 is the 58th such dedication to police officer killed in action in Ontario since the Highway Memorials for Fallen Police Officers Act came into effect in 2002.

Each dedication is intended to posthumously recognize police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Since the murder of Cst. Garrett, family, friends, police officers from surrounding departments and police volunteers, along with other emergency service workers, members of the Crown Attorney’s office and citizens have gathered at Chris Garrett Memorial Park on Birchwood Trail to remember his commitment and dedication.

Part of this remembrance resulted in a Challenge Coin being created that memorializes, Cst. William O’Rourke, the first Cobourg Police officer to die on duty, and Cst. Chris Garrett.

As well, since 2004, runners of the National Peace Officers Memorial Run to Remember have stopped at the Cst. Chris Garrett Memorial Park to pay their respects as they run to Ottawa for the Canadian Peace and Police Officer Officer’s Memorial.

As part of that on-going tradition, it was felt that including those runners (300 strong) who run to remember and keep the memories of fallen peace officers alive, would be an exceptional way to dedicate the bridge and finish their first leg enroute to Ottawa.

Many officers from the Run To Remember, in the first year, had known or worked with Cst. Garrett when he worked for the Peel Regional Police Service.

Each runner touched the sculpture at the park as they ran past, a tradition dating back to the first year in 2005. It is a special day with meaning for each runner.

As part of the Dedication, the Ministry of Transportation provides a replica version of the dedication sign, sized to the family’s request, as well as a framed replica of the sign, the official description of the bridge location and the date of dedication.

For pictures of the ceremony, go to the Cst Chris Garrett photo album.