South Simcoe Police remembers officers killed in ambush shooting three years ago

Const. Devon Northrup, left, and Const. Morgan Russell, right, were fatally shot during an incident on Oct. 11 in Innisfil, Ont. (Supplied)

Saturday marks three years since two South Simcoe Police Service officers were killed in an ambush shooting while responding to a disturbance call at an Innisfil home.

Constables Morgan Russell, 54, and Devon Michael Northrup, 33, were fatally wounded 15 minutes after being dispatched to the domestic call on Oct. 11, 2022.

Both died in the hospital.

“Their unwavering dedication to duty and service will forever remain in our hearts,” said the South Simcoe Police Service in part of its Saturday morning social media post. “As we reflect on their legacy, we recommit ourselves to serving our community with the same courage, compassion, and integrity they exemplified. Each act of service we perform in their memory stands as a lasting tribute to their devotion and sacrifice.”

The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG) stated that flags will be flown at half-mast this weekend in their honour.

“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 the town in part of its Saturday morning social media post. “Their dedication to serving the communities of BWG and Innisfil will never be forgotten.”

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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.

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.

With files from CTV’s Kim Phillips and Dana Roberts.