A pair of fallen South Simcoe Police officers were honoured again on Sunday, which marks four years since they were tragically killed in the line of duty. On Oct. 11, 2022, Constables Morgan Russell, 54, and Devon Michael Northrup, 33, were fatally wounded in a shooting as they were responding to a disturbance at an Innisfil home. Both died in hospital. South Simcoe Police is displaying a memorial site in their honour. “Four years later, their memory, sacrifice and the impact they had on so many continue to be deeply felt,” said South Simcoe Police in a social media post. “Our thoughts remain with their families, friends, colleagues and everyone whose lives were touched by Morgan and Devon. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice will forever remain in our hearts. Their memory will always be honoured, and their legacy will never be forgotten.” Related Articles: Described as an ‘unassuming, low-key guy,’ Russell, a 33-year veteran of the service, was a trained crisis negotiator. He is survived by his wife, Marisa, and two adult daughters, Madelaine and Maggie. Northrup was a six-year member who worked with the community mobilization and engagement unit and the mental health crisis outreach team. He left behind his spouse, Annie Romard, also a member of the police service. “Their loss is felt far beyond their families, friends, and colleagues. Devon and Morgan made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others, and their courage and dedication will forever be part of our community’s story,” said the Town of Innisfil in a social media post. “We remember them with deep gratitude and hold close those who continue to feel their absence, knowing that they will never be forgotten.” Mayor Lynn Dollin posted a photo of their badge numbers with the hashtags ‘#HeroesInLife’ and ‘#neverforgotten.’ “Today we remember and honour two heroes, Constable Morgan Russell and Devon Northrup, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on October 11, 2022,” said Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor James Leduc in a shared statement with the town. “Their dedication to serving the communities of BWG and Innisfil will never be forgotten.” To honour the fallen officers, the Town of Innisfil renamed an arena the Morgan Russell Memorial Arena, and in Bradford, the town renamed a park the Devon Northrup Memorial Park. The Town of Innisfil and the Town of BWG confirmed that they lowered flags to half-mast on Sunday. Innisfil Beach Park and Town Square will shine blue throughout October to honour their memory.
