Hundreds of police officers gathered in Ottawa over the weekend to remember those who died in the line of duty, including those from local police forces. Many chose to run from different parts of Ontario to the nation’s capital, while others rode bikes or some took motorcycles. Members of Barrie Police Service, South Simcoe Police and Ontario Provincial Police’s Central Region detachments were on location at the Canadian Police and Peace Officer’s Memorial on Sunday. “Today they honour and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Barrie Police said in a post on social media, accompanied by a photo of officers lined up at the memorial. For members of the Barrie Police Service, the adventure began on Thursday, when Barrie Police joined several other police forces and began a 460 kilometre run from Queen’s Park in Toronto to Parliament Hill. Nine runners from South Simcoe Police joined the officers from Barrie and countless others who ran from Toronto to Ottawa on Thursday and for the memorial on Sunday. “We remember all those who gave their lives in service and honour the families, friends, colleagues, and communities who continue to carry their memories,” South Simcoe Police said in post on social media. The police service was also represented by five riders who set off on bikes from the police college in Aylmer, Ont. and rode 700 kilometres to the memorial. “This journey stands as a tribute to the police and peace officers who gave everything in service to their communities and their country,” OPP said in a social media post. In photos shared by the provincial police, their offers are seen wearing patches on their arms or legs with the names of fallen officers escribed on them.
