Run To Remember Honours Northrup

The veteran officer was struck by a vehicle in City Hall’s underground parking after responding to a robbery call on July 2. He succumbed to his injuries.

The presentation to Margaret Northrup and her children Brennen, Samantha and Mitchell took place at the Ontario Police Memorial at Queen’s Park on September 23 before officers embarked on a 4.5 kilometre Run to Remember.

Prior to COVID, the annual 460-mile relay run started in Toronto and ended three days later at Parliament Hill where the National Peace Officers Memorial takes place on the Sunday.

Chief James Ramer, who made the cap presentation, said Northrup was a dedicated and respected member of the Service for over three decades.

“We are honoured to have Jeff’s family with us here today,” he said. “Their pain, like that of every family member of loved ones whose loss we honour today is something many of us cannot begin to imagine. Today and everyday, we cherish their memories – whether they were family members, colleagues or friends – and show our gratitude for their sacrifice.

“Like last year, this year’s run looks different than in years prior, but it is no less significant. We continue to run much like we continue to pay tribute to the officers we have lost, but will never forget. Today and everyday, these brave officers remain heroes of life.”

Mitchell Northrup joined officers in the short run that made a brief stop at 52 Division where his dad was assigned.

Detective Bob Hackenbrook, of Peel Regional Police Service, and the co-chair of the National Peace Officers Memorial run, presented a plaque with Northrup’s photo to his family.

In addition to Northrup, Sergeant Andrew Harnett, of Calgary Police Service, and Constables Mark Hovingh and Shelby Patton, of the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police respectively, lost their lives in the line of duty in the last year.

“We find comfort and strength when we gather to pay our respects,” said Jason Tomlinson, who spoke on behalf of the Toronto Police Association and the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation.

The memorial run was launched in 2005 to create awareness of the police and peace officers memorial service in Ottawa on the last Sunday of September, and to raise money for trust funds and memorials established in memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty.

Nearly $400,000 in donations have been made since the run started with 24 Peel Regional Police participants.