By Andre La Rosa-Rodriguez and Emma Posca
BARRIE — Thousands of police officers and first responders stood along Bayview Drive in the cold, drizzly air to attend the funeral of their fallen officers who died in the line of duty.
But before the final eulogies were given, officers marched behind a police pipe band through the snowy streets as they made their way to Sadlon Arena. Their moment of solidarity was also a moment of sorrow.
It was their final tribute to South Simcoe Region Constables Morgan Russell, 54, a 33-year veteran, and Devon Northrup, 33, with six years of service, who were killed during a domestic disturbance call on Somers Boulevard in Innisfil by a lone gunman armed with an SKS semi-automatic rifle on Oct. 11.
Northrup’s spouse Annie Romard recalled the last moment she shared with him to family, friends and officers from across the country at the packed arena.
Annie said it was a typical morning where they drank coffee together and told each other to “stay safe” before leaving for work.
“We would spend the rest of the day texting about how we couldn’t wait to see each other that night,” she said. “Little did either of us know our lives would be changed forever.
“I will love you forever and you will always be my hero,” Annie said.
Northrup’s brother, Brock, remembered the times they would spend at the cottage and how much they would play video games together.
“I’m glad we enjoyed co-op mode and video games rather than competing against each other, because I cannot compete with the impact you’ve had on our community, on our friends, and especially on our family,” he said.
“You never wanted to be in the spotlight. But I’m so damn proud to see you in the spotlight now,” Brock said.
Acting South Simcoe Chief John Van Dyke said both constables were brave and dedicated men who gave their lives protecting the community.
“They were respected, professional and compassionate,” he said.
Russell’s wife Marisa and their two daughters Madelaine and Maggie told mourners their last memory they shared together was of saying goodbye, and “I love you.”
Marisa said the night that followed was “routine” until the chief of police rang their doorbell. She said it was a visit no police wife ever wanted to get.
“Madelaine, Maggie and I lost our source of strength, our confidant and our advisor,” she said as her voice trembled. “I hope that one day we will learn to accept this crushing loss.”
Russell’s daughter, Madelaine, choked back tears as she told the arena that she wants people to learn from her pain.
“Our police officers are also beloved spouses, parents, family members, and friends who have families that will be devastated if they do not come home,” she said.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell commended Northrup and Russell for putting their lives on the line. They said their names will be inscribed on the monument for fallen officers in Queen’s Park where citizens of Ontario will be able to pay their respects.
Residents came to the procession and shared their support for the fallen officers.
“I think it’s important that these guys all know that we back them,” retired emergency room nurse Dawn Kelly said. “I think it’s important to honour those who have sacrificed for us.”
She spent 36 years in the ER and grew close to officers and paramedics from around the community.
Families like Rosie Reid and her nine-year-old son, Jameson, knew people who were on the South Simcoe service. They said coming to the procession was important to them.
“The bare minimum I think we can do is to show up and support them and their families,” she said.
Following the funeral service, the constables’ caskets were loaded into the hearses and taken away as their families followed behind them.
Northrup and Russell were among five officers killed recently. Toronto Constable Andrew Hong was murdered Sept. 12, York Constable Travis Gillespie died in a crash involving an impaired driver on Sept. 14, and RCMP Constable Shaelyn (Tzu-Hsin) Yang was stabbed to death in Burnaby, B.C., on Oct. 18.