Community members are invited to a candlelight vigil tonight at Innisfil Community Church in honour of the two South Simcoe Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty after responding to a call for a disturbance at a home on Somers Boulevard in Alcona, Innisfil Tuesday night.
The two officers were identified as Const. Morgan Russell and Const. Devon Northrup at a news conference held earlier today by South Simcoe Police at Innisfil Town Hall.
The two officers were shot inside the home, according to police. The suspect, a 23-year-old man who lived with his grandparents, was later pronounced deceased following an interaction with police.
Const. Russell, 54, was 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 teenage children.
Northrup, 33, was a six-year member of the service assigned to the community mobilization and engagement unit. Const. Northrup is survived by his partner, parents and many close friends. He also served as a member of the mental health crisis outreach and support team and the emergency response unit.
“Words cannot describe our grief,” said Acting Police Chief John Van Dyke. “Our immediate focus is to support our members and their grieving families."
A vigil will be held this evening, Oct. 12, at Innisfil Community Church, 1571 Innisfil Beach Rd. at 7 p.m.
A book of condolences has been made available inside the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury's Leisure Centre at 471 West Park Ave.
Support is available to residents through CMHA- Simcoe County 24/7 crisis line (1-888-893-8333) and Kids Help Phone (1-800-688-6868).
