Ontario’s retired police service members are honouring a local sacrifice.
On behalf of the Police Retirees of Ontario (PRO) Joe Winson and his wife Linda presented the South Simcoe Police Service with a cheque for $1,000 to commemorate fallen Const. Devon Northrup, during the police services board meeting at the Innisfil Town Hall on Oct. 25.
“(Constables) Morgan Russell and Devon Northrup will always be remembered for their dedication and service to our community,” he said.
A retired detective and 32-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service, Winson said it was his “honour” to make a donation to the local police, but expressed his regret that it couldn’t be under better circumstances.
Northrup, 33, and Russell, 54, were fatally shot while they responded to a disturbance at an Innisfil home on Oct. 11, 2022.
Northrup was a six-year member of the service and worked with the community mobilization and engagement unit.
Russell was with the force for 33 years. He was a trained crisis negotiator and was assigned to uniform patrol.
In honour of Northrup, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury renamed the former Middletown Park to Constable Devon Northrup Memorial Park on Sept. 18.
In honour of Russell, the Town of Innisfil renamed its South Innisfil Arena and Community Centre to Morgan Russell Memorial Arena and Community Centre in June, at which time PRO made an equal donation.
PRO is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 by a group of retired police officers. It is dedicated to serving an exclusive membership restricted to retired law enforcement personnel of every rank and classification, their spouses, and the widow and widowers of both active and retired law enforcement personnel.
Since its formation, the organization estimates it has donated more than $1 million to various causes and charities throughout Ontario.
