The past few months have been incredibly hard for the law enforcement community, with the deaths of five officers. This dispatches section is dedicated to them.
Photo credit: Toronto Police Service
It is with profound sadness that Chief James Ramer announced the death of Toronto Police Service Constable Andrew Hong of Traffic Services. The 22-year veteran with the Toronto force worked with a highly specialized motorcycle unit that provides security escorts for dignitaries like prime ministers and presidents and was training other officers when he was gunned down in an ambush. Friends and colleagues remembered Hong on Tuesday as an extraordinary officer and person who made time for anyone who needed it. Constable Hong is survived by his wife, two children and his parents.
The South Simcoe Police Service is devastated to announce the death of two of their officers. On Oct. 11, two officers were shot inside a home in Innisfil, Ont.
Photo credit: South Simcoe Police Service
Constable Devon Northrup was 33-years-old and a 6-year member of the service currently assigned to the Community Mobilization and Engagement Unit. Constable Northrup is survived by his partner, his parents and his many close friends. He also served as a member of our mental health Crisis Outreach and Support Team and the Emergency Response Unit.
Photo credit: South Simcoe Police Service
Constable Morgan Russell, was aged 54 and a 33-year veteran of the service. He was assigned to uniform patrol and was a trained crisis negotiator. He is survived by his wife and two adult children.
“This is a heartbreaking time for our police service, the families impacted, our emergency services personnel and our communities. Our immediate focus is to support our members and their grieving families. I wish to thank our local first responder partners who rushed to the scene, and to everyone offering their condolences and support to our police service on this sad day,” said Acting Chief John Van Dyke.
Photo credit: RCMP
It is with a deep and profound sadness that Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald has advised the public of the homicide of Burnaby RCMP Cst. Shaelyn Yang that occurred in the line of duty. Cst. Yang lived in Richmond and was an active volunteer. She started her career volunteering part time with the Richmond RCMP’s Victim Services unit later as a full-time volunteer. In 2019, she decided to become a police officer and entered training at Depot in June of that same year. Cst. Yang graduated in December as a member of Troop 8 and was posted to Burnaby Detachment. She was a loving wife, sister and daughter. Those she worked with before joining the RCMP and her police colleagues today, describe Cst. Yang as a kind and compassionate person, which makes her death even more difficult to accept. The loss of Shaelyn will be felt by so many. Her death impacts her family, friends, the wider RCMP family, and the vulnerable community she so passionately served. Her loss is immeasurable.
Photo credit: York Regional Police
With profound sadness, Chief Jim MacSween announced York Regional Police officer, Constable Travis Gillespie was tragically killed in a fatal collision in the City of Markham. Cst. Gillespie was sworn in as a police constable on April 29, 2020 and was assigned to #2 District Uniform Patrol. Prior to joining YRP, he worked as a Metrolinx/Go Transit special constable and had volunteered his time to Community Living and Primal MMA Academy. “This is devastating news for all members of our organization,” said Chief MacSween. “I offer my deepest condolences to Travis’ family, friends and colleagues. It’s never easy to lose a member and to have lost Travis so unexpectedly is very difficult.”
PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS, RECOGNITION • If you have an officer in your agency recently promoted or retiring or an individual you wish to have recognized (major award or recently deceased) you can let Blue Line magazine know by emailing: bschroeder@annexbusinessmedia.com.
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