Slain Toronto police officer remembered for his 'unshakeable commitment' to city at funeral
Friends, family, and thousands of colleagues remembered a Toronto police officer killed in the line of duty as a “selfless and kind neighbour” at a funeral service today.
Const. Jeffrey Northrup was killed earlier this month while responding to an emergency call in downtown Toronto.
“I am so lost without you,” Northrup’s wife Margaret said in a tear-filled eulogy Monday. “However, I will remain strong with you still in my heart and by my side.”
The funeral at BMO Field at Exhibition place was attended by police forces from across the country, as well as representatives from all levels of government.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford delivered an emotional address at the invite-only ceremony and said that Northrup had paid the “ultimate sacrifice” while responding to the call of duty.
“He did so as a hero. He put his life on the line, in order to serve and protect his community, and this is a debt that we’ll never be able to repay,” Ford said.
Mayor John Tory echoed those remarks while acknowledging Northrup’s children, who he said will be able to look back on their father’s time as a police officer with “immense pride.”
Northrup's body was accompanied by thousands of Toronto police officers in full dress from the funeral home in Thornhill prior to the service Monday morning.
His casket was seen draped in the Canadian flag as it laid in BMO Field. Northrup’s partner, Detective Constable Lisa Forbes, was seen carrying his hat as she led pallbearers to the site of the ceremony.
A 31-year veteran of the force, Northrup first worked as a court officer before becoming an officer with Toronto police in 1999.
He was struck by the driver of a vehicle shortly after midnight on July 2 in the parking garage below City Hall, near Queen and Bay streets, while responding to a robbery call with his partner.
Speaking at the scene following the incident, Toronto Police Chief James Ramer said Northrup was struck by the driver of a vehicle in an "intentional and deliberate" act. He was rushed to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Forbes was also transported to hospital following the incident. She was treated and released, police said.
A man has since been charged with first-degree murder.
Ramer attended the funeral today and spoke to Northrup’s dedication to both the service and his family.
“Jeff was a genuinely lovely and caring man who was fair and friendly to everyone he encountered as a police officer,” Ramer said. “When he was off duty, he was a selfless and kind neighbour, a mentor, and a coach, beloved by everyone. Most importantly, he was a dedicated family man to his wife and three children, who he adored, who were his life.”
“When our confidence waivers, we must think about Jeff, about his unshakeable commitment to the city and his family.”
Northrup will be buried at a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. He was 55 years old.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Testifying in hush money trial, adult film actor Stormy Daniels describes first meeting Trump
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election 10 years later.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Turfing Poilievre from House a clear sign of desperation by Trudeau Liberals
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.