Three children of fallen Toronto police officer given hats with father's badge number at memorial
The three children of a Toronto police officer who died in the line of duty this summer were presented official police hats bearing their dad's badge number.
Det. Constable Jeff Northrup’s three children, along with their mother Margaret, attended a memorial for their dad at the Police Memorial at Queen’s Park.
It was the first public event they’ve attended since Northrup’s funeral this summer.
The caps were presented by Toronto’s Police Chief James Raymer, who said the family is coping as best they can.
“You know they are doing pretty good, it is tough, particularity for Margaret, every time she hears his name, but they seem to be managing pretty well,” she said.
The 52 division officer died after he was hit by a vehicle while answering a robbery call in the Toronto City Hall underground July 2nd.
Const. Jeff Northrup is identified by Toronto Police 52 Division in this undated photo. (Toronto Police 52 Division)
The officer was in plain clothes at the time and was run over.
Police arrested 31-year-old Umar Zameer of Thornhill, and charged him with first degree murder.
He had been in jail since his arrest but just yesterday, the Northrup family learned he was released on bail.
The Northrup family declined to be interviewed, but Raymer said he spoke to them about the bail.
“I think it is concerning, just because of the nature of the event and loss of Jeff. It’s tough for them.”
Thursday’s event was part of the National Peace Officer’s annual run, where pre-COVID, officers would run a three-day relay from the memorial in Toronto to Parliament Hill in Ottawa for a ceremony.
But during the pandemic, the runs have either been virtual or short runs to mark the day. Thursday, a short run led by Northrup’s son Mitchell, from Queen’s Park to 52 Police Division, where Northrup was stationed. There they were met by cheers from division officers then a minute of silence for their fallen colleague.
The officers jogged back to the memorial placing candles by the names of the fallen, which include Sgt. Ryan Russell also of 52 Division and Toronto Police Constable Todd Baylis, shot dead in the summer of 1994 while on duty.
Constable Laurie McCann was friends with both Northrup and Baylis.
“Why we are doing this? For these officers who have given their life in the line of duty. Jeff and Todd Baylis was a friend of mine as well, so I kind of think about them and they are not here and all we can do is take time out of our day and run for them.”
As dusk fell, the officers took time for private reflection at the always growing monument of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.