The nearly 50 police officers who took part in this year’s three-day run, from the Ontario Police Memorial site near Queen’s Park on Sept. 27 to the Canadian Peace & Police Officers Memorial on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Sept. 30, wore armbands of the 40 Toronto Police Service officers who have been killed on the job.
Proudly wearing a band on his upper arm bearing Russell’s name, Alvey again dedicated this year’s run to his deceased friend.
“This is the third time I am doing this run, but the last two years I have pushed myself a little harder because of Ryan, who is still in my thoughts,” said Alvey.
“He was there all the way with me through the recruitment process. His death was devastating and real difficult for me to get through.”
Russell’s widow, Christine, took part in the annual run for the first time. She teamed up with wives of fallen officers, including Erin Ochakovsky – her husband, James, a Peel Regional Police officer, died in the line of duty in 2010 -- who founded Survivors of Law Enforcement (SOLE) to offer support to family members of fallen officers.
“I came out last year for the start of the run here and was very inspired,” said Christine Russell.
“I decided to train for this year’s event and I really hope I can make it all the way to Ottawa. I am running with some awesome widows.”
Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association vice-president Charlene Baptist, who worked with Russell for 10 years, wore an armband with Laura Ellis’ name on it. Attached to 42 Division, Ellis was killed in a vehicular accident on her last day with the service in February 2002, before transferring to Durham Regional Police.
“I am now at 42 Division, so it’s quite an honour to represent Laura and all of the other officers who have died on the job,” added the staff sergeant.
“On my first run last year, I witnessed all the emotion as we approached Parliament Hill and I vowed I would be back again to do the run. It’s quite an honour to be part of this.”
S/Insp. Stephen Harris ran on behalf of Det. Michael Irwin, fatally shot in 1972 by a tenant who was facing eviction. Irwin’s partner, Det. Douglas Sinclair, was also killed by the gunman who had a long criminal history.
“I worked with Michael in the early 1970s,” said Harris, who participated in the run for the third year.
“It’s an honour to do this for him and the other officers who have paid the ultimate price with their lives.
“Unfortunately, a lot of us remember our police careers through the fallen officers. That’s the least we can do to honour their memory.”
Deputy Chief Mike Federico was on hand to offer support to Service members and other participants in the 460-kilometre run, started eight years ago.
“While we are recognizing the passing of members who are dearly beloved, we are also celebrating the profession we have all chosen, as peace officers, to keep our communities safe,” said Federico.
“So, in those quiet reflective moments when we are thinking about the people who are being recognized and honoured today, I will also like you to indulge a little bit in the pride and the contribution you make to community safety.”
The National Peace Officers’ Memorial Run (NPOMR) started in 2005 with just 24 Peel Regional Police runners. This year, 244 runners representing 17 law enforcement organizations and colleges participated in the event, expected to raise about $25,000.
Funds accrued from the event go to trust funds established for the families for officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. A total of $43,000 has been donated to 13 trust funds, while an additional $42,000 has been set aside to help fund any annual provincial memorial service set up to recognize fallen peace officers in their province.
Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Madeline Meilleur and NPOMR chair Insp. Randy Patrick, of Peel Regional Police Service, said the purpose of the run is to remember the officers who have died on the job.
“This is not a race, but a journey and one of remembrance and solidarity,” Patrick noted.
“In the end, it doesn’t matter how far or how fast we run, but why we ran. We are united as one with a single purpose and that is to complete this journey of remembrance together because it’s not about individuals or us. It’s about the officers whose names appear on the wall behind me and on the memorial wall in Ottawa. It’s also about those they have left behind.”
Patrick also welcomed SOLE’s participation and paid tribute to Ontario Provincial Police and memorial run volunteer Sgt. Doug Marshall, who took his own life on the job with his Service weapon last April.
“We are honoured and privileged to have you with us today,” he told the widows.
“I know that, over the next three days, many of the runners will be looking for some additional inspiration as the days and kilometres become longer and longer and they try to complete the next relay. This year, they will only need to look over their shoulders. Seeing you there, and knowing the suffering you have endured and the sacrifices your families have made, will be the only inspiration that they will need. Today, you are our heroes.
“…for many of our heroes, their death was sudden and without warning. Many came face-to-face with their killers. However, there is another danger to officers today and that comes from within. Post-traumatic stress disorder is not sudden, it does come with warning signs and it kills officers across the country.”
Three officers from the Philadelphia Police Department took part in this year’s run. They were Lonnie Claussen, Phil Scratcherd and Les Baker.
“We all do the same job and we are not far away from this event,” said Baker.
“No one has to tell us how important it is for us to come and give our support.”
An hour before the run started, a group of about 100 cyclists started the Ride to Ottawa. A team of officers from Niagara Regional Police rode 154 kilometres to Toronto on Wednesday to join their fellow officers for the first of three legs. The cyclists pedalled approximately 195 kilometres to Belleville on Thursday. They resume on Friday, riding 176 kilometres to Brockville and complete the final 130 kilometres on Saturday.
The Toronto police riders have raised almost $5,000 annually to maintain the memorial.
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Christine Russell cuts the
ribbon at 51 Division memorial |
A small group of riders stayed behind to accompany the runners from Queen’s Park to 51 Division for some refreshments, and the launch of a memorial garden and bench to honour Service members who have died in the line of duty and deceased 51 Division members.
The NPOMR also made a special presentation to long time volunteer Bob Kemp, who organizes the reception for the runners during their brief stop at 51 Division and unit commander Supt. John Tanouye for hosting the runners at the Division over the past four years.
The run and ride coincides with the annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service in Ottawa on Sunday, September 30.
