Walk across the GTA Honours Fallen First Responders and Helps Save Lives

Members of the Toronto Police Service recently took part in a demanding 100-kilometre walk over 24 hours in support of the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund. The event raised money to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in communities across Ontario, while honouring fallen police officers, firefighters, paramedics and military members.

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund is dedicated to the donation of life-saving defibrillators to public buildings in the name of fallen Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS and Military members who have died in the line of duty. This event brings together the policing community, families and supporters of emergency services

“It’s a real honour for us to make these donations today.” Said Patrick Armstrong of the Dave Mounsey foundation.

The money raised from this year’s walk will enable the foundation to donate two life-saving AEDs in honour of fallen police officers, including two from Toronto Constable Andrew Hong Constable Laura Ellis, becoming the 256th and 257th AEDs donated through the fund. To date, the devices placed by the organization have helped save eight lives.

 “The fact that we’re here today to honour Andrew Hong and Laura Ellis says a lot. It solidifies the promise we made when they died, that they will never be forgotten.” said Peter Grande of the Toronto Police Association

Jenny Hong, widow of Constable Andrew Hong, walked in memory of her husband who died September 12, 2022. She accepted the AED on behalf of her family.

“I’ll be donating it to the York Region District School Board,” said Hong.

The AED will support outdoor athletic programs, including track and field and cross-country events.

“The school has one, however, they don’t have one for outdoor activities like track and field or cross-country,” she said. “Andrew always loved the kids.” 

Hong also spoke about the broader importance of access to defibrillators in community spaces.

“We don’t realize how many places still don’t have defibrillators,” she said. “It could be a church, an after-school program, or any place where kids gather. There are a lot of places that don’t have one.”

Constable Laura Ellis died in the line of duty on February 18, 2002, at the age of 31.

“You walked to remember and honour Constable Laura Ellis,” said Deputy Chief Rob Johnson. “She had a whole life and career ahead of her. We remember her for the kind and courageous hero that she was.”

Johnson said the donation of an AED in Ellis’s name was a meaningful way to honour her.

“This is why today’s donation of a defibrillator in Laura’s name is a meaningful tribute to her legacy. It will help save lives.”

Throughout the day, participants reflected on the bonds that unite first responders.

“I don’t care what your patch is,” said Armstrong. “We are all in this together.”

That spirit of unity carried through to the walk's final kilometres, marked by a tribute to the fallen heroes. 

“It’s a blessing. It’s a gift of life,” said Hong.