221 Tribute

A slain cop's son had hoped for the prestigious Cross of Valour but whatever medal his father receives, Cobourg Const. Chris Garrett's son says his dad will always be a hero.
"He doesn't need any medal to prove that," Ben Garrett, 18, said last night, clearly disappointed but not wanting to over- dramatize the situation.
"It is a shame," he said. "It is an honour for him to receive the Star of Courage but there is no doubt he deserves the Cross of Valour."
The only people who seem to disagree are those who made the decision.
But in a press release the governor general did acknowledge "through his final act of courage, Const. Garrett prevented his assailant from carrying out a plan to harm his fellow police officers and civilians."
He was granted the Star of Courage posthumously on the same day as 14 others were awarded the Medal of Bravery, including OPP Const. Daniel Bailey, whom I hope to profile Saturday.
Ben Garrett says his dad proved his worthiness for the country's top honour in the line of duty May 15, 2004 by shooting his eventual murderer and stopping a planned rampage as he bled to death after having his throat cut.
Garrett's friends and fellow police officers wanted this courageous cop to get the highest honour because heaven knows what would have happened had he not hit his assailant with that shot -- sending him to hospital instead of home to collect his Molotov cocktails and mayhem list.
"Troy Davey had an elaborate plan to murder numerous officers and civilians," said Pete Fisher, a Sun Media journalist who with Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Strongman spearheaded the medal campaign.
Foiling that wicked plan and landing then 18-year-old Davey in prison for 25 years on a first-degree-murder conviction has led the committee to award Garrett with the country's second highest honour.
According to the GG's website, the Cross of Valour is "awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril" while the Star of Courage is "awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril."
"I'd like to know their distinction between the word 'great' and 'extreme', " said an irate Fisher.
It appears the honours committee determined Garrett, with one hand on his slit throat trying to stop the bleeding and the other firing his police revolver at an armed violent suspect, was showing conspicuous courage in great peril but not quite extreme peril.
One thing I noticed in perusing the 20 previous Cross of Valour recipients, is not one police officer had received it for stopping a crime or where force or a firearm was used. Most of the worthy Cross of Valour winners came from brave lifesaving situations.
"Maybe it was too strong for them," Canadian legend Don Cherry said of his friend Garrett's brave actions in the field. "It's a damn shame, them quibbling over a word. It is disappointing. Here's a guy who gave his life while serving the people."
People are asking how did they sort out the difference between great peril and extreme peril?
DECISIONS BINDING
"The deliberations remain confidential," explains GG spokesman Lucie Caron, adding the judges' "names are not published" and their decisions are binding.
Funded by the taxpayers the "Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee" is "made up of representatives of the clerk of the Privy Council, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, the commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the deputy ministers of Canadian Heritage, the Department of National Defence and Transport Canada, as well as up to four others appointed by the governor general."
"Who are these people who judge what is valour and what have they ever done?" asked Cherry, who like so many want this process opened up with a transparent committee, more explanation and public scrutiny.
It's one of those situations where a person clearly earned the gold but is getting stiffed with the silver.
"If that's all they can give him, we're happy with that," said Chris Garrett's mom, Evelyn. "But it won't bring him back."
OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, who was prepared to take this fight to the Queen, agrees, saying "it should not have been such a long and arduous task to do the right thing."
For many this announcement yesterday was a slap in the face at the end of a process which has been ripe with closed doors, red tape and strong words spoken and written.
DOWNGRADED
The result was frustrating for Fisher and Strongman who submitted the original application only to have it rejected because it was not received within a two-year window, even though the trial took 21/2 years to complete. Thanks to public outrage and Prime Minister Stephen Harper removing the two-year deadline, the Garrett nomination went through only to end up shockingly downgraded.
It's not right and they should just give Garrett the darned award that he earned with his life. What would it hurt?
His heroism is equal to any of the previous winners. It's embarrassing that it was strung out like this and if there was politics, bureaucracy, power or even payback in this disgraceful conclusion shame on those behind it.
Meanwhile, we are going to have to accept the fact Chris Garrett is not going to be honoured appropriately and let him rest in peace. "The fight is over," said Fisher. "People know the lives he saved."
"He will always be our hero," added Strongman.
That is all that matters to young Ben who says even though he thinks it's not the right medal he will proudly go to Rideau Hall to meet the governor general to receive it on behalf of his "hero" dad.
Chris Garrett may not get the Cross of Valour but people will never forget his valour.

Garrett supporter: 'Action needs to be taken'
By PETE FISHER, Special to the Sun
A retired cop has sent back his long service and good conduct medal to the Governor General of Canada in protest of the delay in awarding a slain Cobourg officer with the Cross of Valour.
"I think four years has gone by and that’s enough," said former RCMP Sgt. Garry Taylor referring to the stagnant delay in the decision for murdered Const. Chris Garrett.
Garrett was ambushed in the early morning hours of May 15, 2004, after responding to a phoney robbery at the former Cobourg hospital.
Before succumbing to a single knife wound to the throat, Garrett managed to run after his assailant firing his service pistol. The last shot from the officer's gun struck his murderer in the leg.
Shortly after, Troy Davey phoned his mother and was driven to the hospital in Cobourg where he was arrested and charged.
It was revealed in court that Davey had a plan to murder numerous police and citizens using firearms and numerous homemade bombs.
The jury found Davey guilty and he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Assistant Crown attorney Brad Kelneck said if not for the actions of Garrett, numerous other people would have been killed.
An application was put forward nominating Garrett for the Cross of Valour, but the rules stipulated the application had a two-year deadline. Because of the length of the trial an application could not be submitted until after the deadline. Though the application was declined, public outcry and an online petition led to the amendment of federal rules allowing Garrett to be nominated.
Taylor served 20 years with the RCMP and seven years with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service retiring in 1991.
Although he never personally knew Garrett, after hearing the facts he felt strongly the slain officer should be awarded Canada’s highest non-military medal for bravery.
Taylor reluctantly agreed to an interview. He wants the focus of the story to be on Garrett.
"Action needs to be taken, let’s end the fence sitting," Taylor said.
He sent a letter to Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean in November 2007 stating he had planned to leave his medal to his son. But in response to the "grievous miscarriage of justice" he would be sending his long service and good conduct medal directly to her if Garrett had not been awarded the Cross of Valour by June 1, 2008.
On May 20, 2008, true to his word, Taylor sent his long service and good conduct medal back to the governor general's office in Ottawa accompanied by a letter.
"The failure of your officials to act after a period of four years (legal maneuvering and deniability of legality aside) highlights their ineptitude and level of bureaucratic inertia (shame)," the letter reads.
"Not only has the inaction of your officials undermined all law enforcement medals, it has seriously diminished the honour and sacredness of Const. Garrett’s medal should it ultimately be awarded to his family (shame).
"If the Garrett family is not entitled to the Cross of Valour that Const. Garrett genuinely earned in the dying seconds of his life, my medal then becomes so utterly devaluated as a symbol of my service, I gladly sacrifice it in protest!"
Taylor was living in Listowel, Ont., when he first heard of Garrett's murder.
He and his wife Anne moved back to his hometown of Cobourg in July 2005.

Four years after giving his life to stop a killer's rampage, a hero cop still hasn't received the Cross of Valour
By JOE WARMINGTON
COBOURG -- It would be great if Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean spontaneously directed her entourage to this small Ontario town today with a very special medal in hand.
Forget the rules or protocol for a few minutes and do something very special for a guy who stopped a murderous rampage from happening while holding up his half decapitated head.
Her coming here would mean an awful lot to a town which has never got over the vicious, gutless and sneaky murder of a much-loved cop whose valour and heroics saved countless lives.
Const. Chris Garrett was ambushed and murdered four years ago today. It was also four years ago he took down a suspect who was at the beginning of a planned rampage. Meanwhile, his family and police colleagues are still waiting for him to be awarded the Cross of Valour.
At a beautiful park here -- named after Garrett -- they will gather today to remember the kind, 39-year-old hero cop who was slain in the line of duty -- and completed that duty until his last breath.
It's a low key event, lightened up with a barbecue and fun stories from family and friends about Chris.
There is no plan for Jean to be there, but she sure would be welcomed -- especially if she were to bring the prestigious medal.
Everybody from Don Cherry, Dan Aykroyd, to This Hour Has 22 Minutes funny man Mark Critch have commented on how much Garrett deserves it -- along with 60,000 Canadians who have signed a petition.
'NICE TOUCH'
"It would have been nice if it had been presented today," said Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet. "It's what we were hoping for. To have her here would have been a nice touch."
It would have been. It's amazing that it has not happened already. Not sure what they are waiting for.
"This is taking longer than the trial did," said Cobourg journalist and organizer Pete Fisher.
However, remember there has been a battle since the beginning.
First, the staff at Jean's office would not accept the application for the honour since it was submitted after a two-year grace period -- despite the fact that the case was still before the courts. Then, under enormous pressure from the policing fraternity -- and thanks to Prime Minister Stephen Harper -- the rules were changed.
KILLING SPREE
That was six months ago. Since then -- nothing. The facts haven't changed. At 3 a.m., four years ago, Const. Garrett responded to a call from a young man who claimed to have been robbed. Instead, he blindsided him and slit his throat -- the start of what was supposed to be a killing spree,
That murderous spree didn't happen -- thanks to Garrett, who emptied his Glock, hitting the killer with his 17th and final bullet. Troy Davey was wounded but recovered and was later convicted of first-degree murder.
Forensic experts are still at a loss how Garrett managed to hold up his more than half-severed head with one hand while drawing his weapon and shooting with the other. Kind of hard to throw protocol, procedure and guidelines at a guy who did this for his community, eh!
He stopped a potential bloodbath. Still, it's unclear if he will ever get the Cross of Valour.
"In order to preserve the confidentiality and integrity of the nomination process, the Chancellery does not comment on a nomination under consideration until a decision has been made by the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee (Bravery). This practice applies to all nominations to the Canadian Honours System," says an official response.
In Cobourg, they are hoping this isn't civil servant speak for: "Your application is buried because you embarrassed us, pulled rank and now your medal is in permanent limbo land."
"I know there are some hard feelings but I sure hope it's not like that," said Sweet, adding they haven't seen anything yet if they decide not to give Garrett that medal.
"The offer to take this to the Queen still stands," said OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino. "It's quite regrettable there has been so much difficulty with this."
Sweet and hundreds of officers have warned they will turn in their service medals to Jean "because it just won't mean anything if this police officer is not given this honour."
If Garrett can make his collar with his head falling off, and we can overlook Jean and her husband once being at a dinner where toasts were made for separatism, she can make the effort and come to Cobourg.
Come on Michaelle, break protocol, fire up your taxpayer-funded limo and give this community what it wants -- a proper commendation for a true Canadian hero. And there's no need to bring the banquet planners since they'll be pleased to grill you up a juicy hotdog on the barbecue.

On May 15, 2004 a true Canadian Hero was murdered in the line of duty in Cobourg. But before succumbing to his wound, Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett stopped his killer from going on a rampage. His killer was sentenced to 25 years. After, a national call to award Constable Garrett with the Cross of Valour has been met by opposition from the Governor General's office. Although the nomination for Constable Garrett has been submitted, it's taking far to long for members of the GG's office to come forward with what is a clear decision. Thousands of Canadians are waiting for the decision. The following are comments from three very respected individuals followed by a story.

President of the Canadian Police Association representing 57,000 members Tony Cannavino.

"The passage of time has in no way diminished the sacrifice that Constable Garrett made. He was and he will forever remain a hero. All that remains to be done is for our nation to recognize his heroism."

"I am very disappointed at the protracted process involved in recognizing Cst. Garrett as a true Canadian hero".

No word yet on medal for officer
By Pete Fisher
Today marks the fourth year since Cobourg Police Const. Chris Garrett's death in the line of duty, but there is still no word on an application for him to receive Canada's highest non-military medal for bravery.
Const. Garrett was murdered on May 15, 2004 after being lured to the former hospital on Chapel Street shortly after 3 a.m.
At the conclusion of this trial on February 22, 2007, Troy Davey was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
At the trial it was proven that after Const. Garrett's throat was slashed, he was able to draw his weapon and fired his service pistol as his assailant. The last shot struck Mr. Davey in the leg, preventing him from carrying out a plan to kill numerous officers and civilians with bombs and weapons.
An application for Const. Garrett to receive the Cross of Valour has since gone to the Governor General of Canada's office.
The move didn't meet a two-year time limit for the medal. But with the federal government's help and public pressure, the rules were changed so Const. Garrett could be nominated.
The application was submitted in February to the chancellery. On April 29, the office's Lucie Caron issued this statement: "In order to preserve the confidentiality and integrity of the nomination process, the chancellery does not comment on a nomination under consideration until a decision has been made by the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee (Bravery). This practice applies to all nominations to the Canadian Honours System."
But for Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet, the "don't call us, we'll call you" isn't good enough.
"I think everyone was optimistic and thought that, in a timely fashion we'd move ahead. But to wait since February is somewhat mind boggling.
"The actual trial to determine the evidence was shorter than this." Although Acting Chief Sweet hopes there is no animosity on behalf of the Governor General's Office, he said "bureaucratically, it certainly makes you wonder.
"There appeared to be bureaucrats in the chancellery that were dead against doing this. Somehow they felt that if they give Chris Garrett the Cross of Valour they'd have to give it to every police officer killed in the line of duty, which is ridiculous."
Acting Chief Sweet said the nomination is based on fact.
What made Const. Garrett a hero was not that he was mortally wounded but what he did afterwards.
"What he was able to accomplish and save the lives of so many people. The sheer determination to be able to do it without any thoughts of himself.
"The absolute extreme injury and still being able to chase down the suspect while drawing his revolver. To be able to do all of them is absolutely outstanding," Acting Chief Sweet said.
He said all the medals presented by the Governor General's Office are presented on behalf of the people of Canada, "and we are the people, and they've spoken."
"All the police officers that I spoke of before that would return their (police exemplary) medals - that hasn't diminished."
"If you can't honour a true hero, it kind of diminishes those medals."
Acting Chief Sweet said the support is still strong and he gets correspondence daily inquiring about the medal application
"We all hope the pain of the weight will be rewarded with the right dues being given to Chris Garrett. I pray for that every day."

After just bringing home our new addition to our family, I was very touched to see Joe Warmington had written this in today's Toronto Sun. Very grateful to Joe for all he has done to help change the rules that will hopefully honour Chris with the Cross of Valour. Canadians, police associations, police officers, and people from literally around the world all helped makes this happen. I hope to hear news sooner, rather than later, that Chris will be honoured with what he so rightly deserves.

Toronto Sun
December 15, 2007
Joe Warmington
There are very few victory days for reporters. But it happened for Pete Fisher this week.
The scribe and photographer from Cobourg is like a dog with a bone when he's on something and the governor general's office found that out when they put up roadblocks and bureaucracy while he was trying to get murdered Cobourg cop Chris Garrett the much deserved Cross of Valour.
They'd shut the door on Pete and he'd go through the chimney. Perseverance. You can't stop that kind of guy and I laughed when I saw him in this picture this week in a private meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who has changed the silly rules of this award, which will ensure Garrett gets his due. I suspect those playing petty games at Rideau Hall didn't see that coming.
Good old fashioned doggedness prevails once again. Important lesson for aspiring reporters. When they block you, go around 'em. But that's not Fisher's best news of the week. His wife, Deb, gave birth to tiny Mary Natalie, a new sister for 5-year-old Corby. Nice to see a reporter win every once in a while -- especially a good one like Pete Fisher.
Now that's a nice story to enter the weekend on. Enjoy yours. Scrawler out!

Original document, Sgt. Darren Strongman and myself sent to nominate Constable Chris Garrett.

I (Pete Fisher) am a reporter/photographer with the Cobourg Daily Star/Port Hope Evening Guide. Together we are recommending Constable Christopher George GARRETT of the Cobourg Police Service for the Cross of Valour to be awarded to him posthumously.

Cross of Valour
awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril

Cst. Garrett was 39-years-old when he was murdered in the line of duty in the early hours of May 15, 2004 in Cobourg, Ontario. He is survived by his son, Ben, from a previous marriage and his step daughter, Brittney, was the daughter of his spouse Denise Leblanc.

Constable Garrett started his policing career in 1986 with Peel Regional Police. He transferred to the Cobourg Police Service in 1991. There he held the rank of senior constable and was serving in Cobourg up until the day he was murdered.

On May 15^th 2004 shortly after 3 a.m., Constable Garrett was in the dispatch room of the Cobourg Police Service when a 911 call was received.

The caller identified himself as Troy Davey (age 18) and reported he had been robbed at knifepoint at the former Cobourg Hospital on Chapel Street.

Constable Garrett was the first to arrive on scene and was met by Troy Davey, age 18 who said he was robbed by someone who held a knife to his throat and demanded money and jewellery.

Constable Garrett took the initial complaint of the robbery and directed other units in the area to check for a suspect matching the description given by Mr. Davey..

At 3:14 am, Cst John Roughley was patrolling the area looking for any sign of the suspected robber when dispatched called over the radio saying a number of residents in the area of the former hospital reported hearing gunshots and dispatch was unable to raise Constable Garrett by radio.

Constable Andy Taylor was the first to arrive on scene and found Constable Garrett’s flashlight in the middle of the hospital parking lot.

Cst. Roughley arrived seconds later and found Constable Garrett face down in a pool of blood.

Constable Garrett’s throat had been slashed (25.7 cm across from ear to ear) and his service pistol was missing.

It was obvious to Constable Roughley that Constable Garrett was dead, but he stayed with him until paramedics arrived.

Cst Garrett’s gun belt had been cut from around his waist. It was found nearby along with Constable Garrett’s service pistol which had been emptied.

Shortly after a massive police investigation was launched Mr. Davey called police stating he had been shot and was at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg. A short time later Mr. Davey was arrested by Cobourg Police and charged with first degree murder.

Investigation revealed that Mr. Davey had a plan to not only kill Constable Garrett, but to murder numerous officers and civilians.

His plan was on his computer that was seized by police and also in notes found in a knapsack at the scene of the murder.

Drive to bruse and ricks cap cashier unless there is only one fill up take snacks rob

Take out cashier fill up on gas and food light gas station on fire as distraction

Napalm exits and gas can fire route then wait till officers come out hit butane bomb

As seen in the material provided the list was detailed and involved bombings, the shooting of other police officers and the murder of civilians. The plan was set into motion by reporting the fictitious robbery and the killing of a police officer.

With one fatal slash to the throat by Mr. Davey, Cst. Garrett was mortally wounded. But even though, he chased Mr. Davey while holding one hand to his throat and firing his service pistol, thus striking Mr. Davey in the leg with his last shot of the pistol.

If it was not for the sole actions of Constable Garrett many people would have died that evening.

Constable Garrett never gave up in the pursuit of the suspect. He is without a doubt a true Canadian Hero.

Eligibility

Anyone is free to propose the name of someone who has risked injury or death to attempt to rescue another person. The incident need not have taken place in Canada, and the rescuer need not be Canadian, but Canadians or Canadian interests must be involved. The incident must have occurred less than two years prior to the date of submission. The Decorations may be awarded posthumously.

To say Constable Garrett is eligible for this award is an understatement. His actions saved the lives of many people in the community of Cobourg. Troy Davey was charged in his murder and in January 2007 his trial began. This was a very complicated and sensitive case.

Because the case took over two years to come before the Courts, the heroism of Constable Garrett on that rainy evening in May 2004 was heard for in the courts for the first time.

On February 22^nd2007. Some two-years and eight-months later, the jury returned with a conviction of first degree murder.

Cst Garrett was a victim that night. But through his actions, he was more than that. Constable Garrett was a hero.

It is our hope that when you read this application and the documents provided you will grant an extension for the two-year time framed allowed.

We feel it would be a travesty to allow eight months to block this officer from a very deserving award. There are exceptions in every aspect of our life. Even the Criminal Code of Canada, the laws of this land has exceptions contained in them.

We hope that Constable Garrett is presented with this prestigious award. And in doing so, we hope that every Canadian will read about the heroic efforts of this officer and how he gave his life in the protection of others.

Just getting back from a trip to Ottawa to meet Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Parliament Hill. I'm not associated with any political party, but this was a special meeting for myself and Sgt. Darren Strongman to thank the Prime Minister for amending the rules to allow Constable Garrett to be considered for the Cross of Valour. Now all anyone can do is hope the Canadian Bravery Regulations Committee sees that Constable Garrett is more than deserving of this honour.

Slain cop now eligible for medal
By PETE FISHER, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA
COBOURG -- After a long bureaucratic battle that sparked a growing furor, changes have been made so slain Const. Chris Garrett can be considered for the Cross of Valour.
The governor general's office said it has officially received word that the Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations have been amended and Garrett's application for the hero's medal can now be considered.
Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Strongman, who nominated Garrett, welcomed the news.
"It's been a long haul to get to this point and we hope the committee will decide solely based on the facts," he said. "And the facts show that Const. Garrett should be awarded with Canada's highest medal for bravery -- the Cross of Valour."
Garrett died after his throat was slit when he answered a fake robbery call on May 15, 2004.
Before succumbing to his wound, Garrett fired his gun and struck his assailant, Troy Davey, then 18, who was later convicted of first-degree murder.
An application to have Garrett honoured with the Cross of Valour was made after Davey's trial -- and past the two-year time limit. The late filing was to ensure the accused was given a fair trial.
The rule change now means applications can be submitted after two years if the delay is due to court proceedings, a quasi-judicial tribunal or corner's review.
Garrett's application will likely be heard in February.

The Governor Generals office said Tuesday they have officially received word that the Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations have been amended and Constable Garrett’s application will be considered.
Director of Honours, Gabrielle Lappa said she received word from the Office of the Registrar on Tuesday the government had amended the regulations on December 6.
"We’re pleased we can put it forward without offending anyone."
The amended section states:
1. Subsection 9(2) of the Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations, 2005 is replaced by the following:
(2) Nominations must be submitted within two years after the day on which
a) the incident or act of bravery occurred; or
b) a public entity, including a court, a quasi-judicial tribunal or a coroner, has concluded its review concerning the circumstances surrounding the incident or act of bravery.
"We have everything now," said Ms. Lappa.
Constable Garrett’s file including pertinent information from the nomination will be transferred to the Honours and Awards Directorate of the RCMP. They will possibly investigate further by interviewing people who were involved in the case to add any additional information before the file is received by The Canadian Bravery Decorations Committee.
Ms. Lappa said one of the additional items required is a "official summary" (from court) of what happened during May 15, 2004.
When the committee meets next in February they will have approximately 15 cases for bravery to consider which will take approximately three hours. Constable Garrett’s file will most likely be included. But if there are to many cases, Ms. Lappa stated it's possible Constable Garrett's file could be put over till March for consideration.

The Governor General’s office is still waiting for official word by the Federal Government before allowing a slain Cobourg police officer to be eligible for a Canadian bravery decoration.
Even though Northumberland-Quinte West MP Rick Norlock announced on Friday that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is taking steps to have the bravery regulations amended, Director of Honours for the Chancellery of Canadian Decorations and Honours of the Secretary to the Governor General Gabrielle Lappa said on Monday as yet, the Government had not made changes to the regulations, and as yet, Constable Garrett is not yet eligible.
"We have not been informed of any official announcement, but we do know they are looking into it."
The changes to the regulations were in response to the overwhelming support in allowing murdered Cobourg police Constable Chris Garrett to be eligible for a Canadian bravery decoration.
Constable Garrett was murdered in May 2004 by Troy Davey. Because the trial exceeded a two year time limit for the bravery decorations, the Governor General’s office stated Constable Garrett was not eligible.
An online petition was started and over 43,000 people from across Canada, and other parts of the world have signed, calling for a time extension.
Ms. Lappa stated as soon as the Government makes an amendment to the bravery regulations, a file will be opened that could "most likely" include a complete transcript of the trial which took over a month to complete.
The file will contain all the pertinent information regarding the court case. Then it will be presented to the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee.
"The Committee will make a decision based on what’s in front of them."
Ms. Lappa said she is "confident if they do change the regulations, we will put together a good file."
"They’ll see where this case fits in with the criteria." (In respect to a bravery medal)
The Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee will have one meeting and determine if
Constable Garrett’s actions warrant the Cross of Valour or any other bravery decoration.
Ms. Lappa assured the decision will not take six months.

A fatuous recourse to 'The rule of law'

Colby Cosh, National Post

It 's rather surprising that Michaelle Jean, the Governor-General, has found herself at such a loss to navigate the controversy over the eligibility of murdered Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) constable Chris Garrett for the Cross of Valour, our country's highest award for civilian bravery. When she was appointed to the viceregal office, and evidence came to light that she had been friendly with Quebec separatists and made an on-camera toast to "independence," she found a nuanced way to put a stop to the discussion -- without, mind you, ever quite disclosing how she had voted in the 1995 referendum. There was also the awkward matter of her French citizenship; one recalls that in spite of a law forbidding French citizens from holding commands in foreign militaries, representatives of France professed themselves ready to look the other way. Alas, our francophone Governor-General proved devoid of that Gallic spirit of adaptability when the Garrett file came to her desk.

Cons. Garrett was on duty in Cobourg early on the morning of May 15, 2004, when he and two other officers answered a robbery call. Finding nobody at the address, the trio was searching the area when Const. Garrett was jumped from behind. His attacker, Troy Davey, slashed open the officer's throat and tried to flee. Garrett's last action on Earth was to empty his sidearm at his killer; the last of the 17 rounds in the weapon struck Davey in the leg, forcing him to check into an emergency room and thwarting his plans to kill more policemen and plant bombs in the town. Garrett's superiors, not wishing to prejudice a jury, waited until after Davey was convicted this February to recommend their dead comrade for the Cross of Valour. But they were told by the office of the governor-general that the two-year deadline for such nominations had passed, and could not be waived.

Here we have a case in which the strict application of the law leads to an absurdity. Garrett's actions were clearly of a class worthy of the Cross of Valour, which honours "conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril." There is no sign that anyone would or could object to Const. Garrett's eligibility in that regard. The deadline is the sole problem. But the Governor-General cited the "rule of law" in refusing to consider him, even though the OPP would have done worse violence to the

rule of law if they had sought recognition for his actions while a trial was in progress. And in suggesting that Const. Garrett's case be transposed to a lesser (and thus less appropriate) decoration with an easier deadline -- the Meritorious Service Decoration -- she offended not only every peace officer in the country, but logic itself.

One can't help feeling that this is what comes of trying to fit a liberal, someone of inherently republican sentiments and instincts, into an office that symbolizes monarchical tradition. (Isn't the school-girlish way she sits on the throne a dead giveaway?) Mme. Jean has tried to deflect outrage over her proposal by pointing out that "responsibility for regulations governing Canadian honours rests with the government." That leaves the matter in the hands of a busy prime minister, rather than those of an official who would have little to do if not for awards and decorations. In fact, all the moral and theoretical authority for applying those regulations lies firmly within Rideau Hall; the governor-general is supposed to be the personal representative of the Queen, who is the fons honorum of our constitution -- the fount, the ultimate source, of state honours.

Her Excellency's deference to the rule of law is an expression of admirable attentiveness to the principles of democracy, but on a purely nonpolitical matter, she was surely free to act provisionally, having obtained the advice and consent of the prime minister with a quick phone call. Any objection to waiving the formal deadline that thwarted Const. Garrett's cause could have been handled by ignoring the offending regulation and waiting to see if there was any objection from the elected government after the fact.

In other words, a little viceregal peremptoriness, a little old-fashioned Marie Antoinette spirit, was in order. It's impossible not to suspect that Adrienne Clark-son, who was so conscious of her constitutional station that she sometimes rubbed elected officials the wrong way, would have known exactly what to do.

It is one of the virtues of monarchical government that it leaves open the possibility of applying a soupcon of moral leverage to situations in which the brute application of written policies would lead to absurdity. Everyone is in favour of the rule of law. But where arbitrary procedural details collide with fundamental principles of fairness, the latter must prevail, or else "rule of law" is code for "rule by bureaucrat."

The country pays a pretty extravagant amount of money to support a living, breathing citizen of sound mind in the office of governor-general. She missed a good chance to show us what that might be worth.

PM will change Medal of Valour timeline
Chris Garrett nomination will proceed
Posted By Mandy Martin - Northumberland OPP
Chris Garrett’s application for the Medal of Valour will be considered by the Governor General, Northumberland-Quinte West MP Rick Norlock says.
The government “is taking steps” to extend the application deadline in cases where investigations or trials take longer than the two years from the original act of valour, Mr. Norlock said, speaking on behalf of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at a Cobourg press conference Friday afternoon.
The Prime Minister has the authority, through an order in council of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and in consultation with the Governor General in counsel, to change the Canadian Bravery Decorations regulation. The change will allow the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee advising the Governor General to consider Constable Garrett’s case.
“It does not require” a vote of Parliament, Mr. Norlock said. “The Prime Minister has the authority.”
That amendment to the regulation “does take some time”, Mr. Norlock said, “but my gut feeling is that it will be sooner rather than later. My gut feeling is that it will be (completed in) less than months.
“My personal opinion, from my personal perspective, I’d like to call to call it the Chris Garrett amendment,” Mr. Norlock said.
Because the PM has announced his intention, and has the authority, to amend the Medal of Valour regulations, the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee could begin its review of the Garrett medal application, but may wait to proceed until the legalities are completed, Mr. Norlock said, “I’m very excited about the announcement today from the Prime Minister’s office,”” Port Hope Sgt. Darren Strongman said. Sgt. Strongman, with Northumberland Publishers photographer/reporter Pete Fisher, last May submitted the application to honour murdered Cobourg Police Constable Garrett.
“The Governor General now has the directive to consider this application solely on the facts submitted.
“The facts are incontrovertible,” Sgt. Strongman said. “Chris Garrett displayed conspicuous courage in the face of extreme peril.”
Constable Garrett was murdered May 15, 2004 while responding to a reported robbery. Although mortally wounded, the constable pursued his attacker, Troy Davey, with one shot wounding Mr. Davey. Mr. Davey went to Northumberland Hills Hospital for treatment and was subsequently arrested there. In the subsequent murder trial of Mr. Davey, it was learned Mr. Davey had plans to kill more police officers by blowing up the Cobourg police station and shooting police officers as they responded to calls for service.
The Davey trial concluded two years and eight months after the death of Constable Garrett - beyond the two-year limitation for Medal of Valour nominations.
“It’s support from the people across this country that has immensely helped this cause and, with the help of Mr. Norlock, this government and the people, we hope the right thing will be done,” Mr. Fisher said.
Over 30,000 people have signed an on-line petition urging the Medal of Valour regulations be changed to allow the Garrett nomination.
“The Prime Minister and Mr. Norlock has crossed a huge bridge toward our goal,” Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet said Friday. “I’d like to thank all the citizens across Canada and around the world who rallied behind the cause.””
In 30 years of policing, “it’s probably the first time we’ve galvanized our strength” he said of the provincial and federal police associations standing united in a cause.
He gave special praise to “all the young people who have got behind Chris Garrett. It’s most
heart-warming.””
“Valour is timeless,” Armand LaBarge, York Region Chief of Police, Past President of the Ontario Chiefs of Police and director of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, said. “All we’re really asking for here is that some regulation shouldn’t transcend an act of bravery.
“Young people are looking for heroes,” Mr. LaBarge said. ““They need look no farther than Chris Garrett.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007,
MPP pushing legislature to help officer get medal
Valerie MacDonald
This riding's MPP is attempting to get Queen's Park to throw its support behind changing criteria so former Cobourg Constable Chris Garrett is eligible for Canada's highest non-military honour.
Lou Rinaldi stood up in the Ontario legislature yesterday and asked that the time deadline for the Cross of Valour be changed so officers like Constable Garrett, who gave up his life while doing his job, are not excluded.
"I stand before you today to share my plea to honour a hero from my riding of Northumberland-Quinte West. Constable Chris Garrett saved the lives of countless civilians and fellow officers on May 15th, 2004...the same day he lost his life in the line of duty."
He went on to explain that "the governor general and Prime Minister Harper have denied awarding this man with the Cross of Valour, due to a technicality."
The technicality is a two-year deadline from the time of Constable Garrett's heroic actions and his nomination for the Cross of Valour, made by the Port Hope Police Sergeant Darren Strongman. Ongoing court proceedings involving Constable Garrett's convicted murderer meant the nomination was not made until 2007 - two years and nine months after Constable Garrett's death.
Since the governor general's office rejected the nomination last month, thousands have signed an online petition seeking a change in the rules.
In Ottawa Monday Sergeant Strongman, Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet and representatives of various national police organizations met with Governor General Michaelle Jean in an effort to change the exclusionary aspect of the criteria. The delegation has been told it's up to the prime minister to change the rules.
Another meeting in Ottawa is set to take place Thursday.
Saying that "an act of bravery has no expiry date," Mr. Rinaldi promised fellow politicians he would soon be presenting a resolution to the Ontario legislature for their support. It will be "calling for Stephen Harper and her Excellency Michaelle Jean to accept the responsibility that this deadline is unreasonable."
Northumberland-Quinte West MP Rick Norlock said he is "cautiously optimistic" about subsequent meetings between Prime Minister Harper and Governor General Jean on the issue, but Mr. Rinaldi said he wants to "add pressure to those meetings" by having the Ontario legislature behind them too.
"We're working with other members to see when we can bring (the resolution)," Mr. Rinalid said after his announcement at Queen's Park. "We're working on a time schedule...before we adjourn for Christmas."

Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Cross of Valour decision borne by PM
Pete Fisher
Governor General Michaelle Jean says it's the prime minister's responsibility to change the rules to allow a slain Cobourg police officer to be honoured with the Cross of Valour.
Guarded optimism was the feeling among proponents of the award for Constable Chris Garrett after two meetings in Ottawa Monday. President of the Canadian Police Association, Tony Cannavino, said Monday's was a "very productive meeting."
The meeting included the governor general and members of her staff as well as Mr. Cannavino, Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet, York Regional Police Chief Armand LaBarge, chair of the decoration committee for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Joel Cheburt, and President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Stephen Chabot.
Since an online petition was started a few weeks ago, nearly 30,000 people have supported awarding the Cross of Valour to Constable Garrett, who was murdered in the line of duty in May 2004. But due to a time limitation, the Governor General's office turned down the nomination, made by Port Hope Police Sergeant Darren Strongman who was also in Ottawa Monday.
Mr, Cannavino said, "The problem right now is she (the Governor General) had discussions with the Prime Minister and she doesn't have the authority to change the regulations (which state the nomination must be made within two years of the act of valour). It is under the Prime Minister's authority."
Police officers from across the country are pushing to have the two-year deadline changed, not only for Constable Garrett's case, but for others cases in the future that may be delayed because of trial proceedings.
"We have to push and we're going to make sure it doesn't happen in the future. Valour has not time limit, we all know that."
To protect the rights of his accused killer, Troy Davey, Constable Garrett's nomination had to wait until after his trial concluded, in February of this year - two years and nine months after Constable Garrett's death.
"For future cases, let's not put a simple regulation that stops that," Mr. Cannavino recommends.
During the meeting with the Governor General, Mr.Cannavino said she agreed, "sometimes regulations after a certain number of years should be reviewed."
Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet said of the Governor General, "Her empathy came through loud and clear."
Asked why he continues to fight for the Cross of Valour for Constable Garrett, Acting Chief Sweet said, "because he would have done it for us. What he did for the people of Cobourg and the other officers, it's the least we can do. He should be recognized at the highest level for our country.
"What took Chris Garrett to the scene of his death was his job. He made a sacrifice there, but then something else happened that took it to a whole different level - a hero."
While bleeding from an ultimately fatal slash to his throat, Constable Garrett managed to shoot and wound his assailant, Mr. Davey, which ultimately led to his arrest when he sought medical treatment. At his trial, it was revealed Mr. Davey had stockpiled weapons and planned to harm other police personnel in a crime spree that was cut short by Constable Garrett's bullet.
"I'm optimistic. It's obvious there is ongoing discussions between the prime minister and the governor general. They want to do the right thing. So I'm very optimistic."
Northumberland-Quinte West MP Rick Norlock said after the meeting he is "cautiously optimistic" there will be "significant progress" at a meeting on Thursday in Ottawa.
"I think by all indications all options are being looked at."

Tuesday, December 4, 2007, p. 1
Enter hospital via Chris Garrett Way
It's Chris Garrett Way now. The main entranceway to Northumberland Hills Hospital will honour the memory of Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett. The signs will be up next spring.
Local businessman and community benefactor Ken Goodwin donated $250,000 to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation for hospital equipment needs. To recognize the gift, and to honour Mr. Goodwin's wishes, the hospital is naming the roadway from DePalma Drive to the main entrance Chris Garrett Way.
Constable Garrett was a 13-year veteran of the Cobourg Police Service when he was murdered in the line of duty May 15, 2004.
"Chris was just a great guy," Mr. Goodwin, owner of Fisher's Foodland, Division Street in Cobourg, said Monday. "I got to know Chris quite well during his time on the Cobourg police force.
"We would often talk when he came into my store and I always looked forward to these visits. I liked and respected him."
"I also know that he loved his work and he loved this town. This is one way that I can recognize Chris within the community."
Expanding on his decision to recognize Constable Garrett through a donation to the hospital foundation, Mr. Goodwin added: "I've always been a strong supporter of our local police. I also feel the hospital plays a pivotal role in the community.
"It just made sense to me to honour Chris's memory with this gift to the Northumberland Hills Hospital."
"This is a lovely gesture in memory of Chris. We're all for it," Evelyn Garrett, Chris Garrett's mother, said when informed by the hospital foundation. "I'd like Mr. Goodwin to know how much the family appreciates this tribute to Chris."
Mr. Goodwin is a former Cobourg town councillor and police services Board member. In 1991, when he won $10-million with a Lotto 649 ticket, one of his first purchases was new service arms for the Cobourg police force.
"This is one way I can give back," Mr. Goodwin said of his NHH Foundation donation. "And it honours a great guy."
"It sends a strong message the people of this community care about and respect Chris Garrett," Mr. MacCoubrey said. "It's a wonderful donation and powerful message."
There will be an official unveiling of new signs spring 2008.

Monday, December 3, 2007, p. 1
Governor general, police representatives discussing honour for officer today
Pete Fisher
It appears there may be progress toward awarding the Cross of Valour to murdered Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett.
"Our government expects a favourable resolution of this matter in the near future so that Constable Garret's valour can be properly recognized and remembered," Alykhan Velshi, communications director for Secretary of State of Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity Jason Kenney, said Friday afternoon.
A meeting is scheduled to take place today - Monday, December 3 - in Ottawa between several police representatives, including Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet, and Governor General Michaëlle Jean.
Acting Chief Sweet said he is "optimistic" after hearing of the comments from Mr. Kenney's office.
"I hope it means proper recognition that will be coming shortly for a friend, a colleague and a very brave man," Acting Chief Sweet said. "This will only help to recognize what kind of hero we had in our midst."
Through an online petition, thousands of Canadians have demanded Constable Garrett be honoured with the Cross, the country's highest non-military medal for bravery. The nomination was rejected by the Governor General of Canada's office because it missed the two-year time limit from the act of bravery. This past week, Governor General Jean deferred the nomination to the federal government on the grounds an order in council was required to change the rules on the awarding of bravery medals.
"As soon as the prime minister heard about this issue, he tasked his officials to come back with options to fix this problem," Mr. Velshi said.
"Constable Garret was a true Canadian hero," Mr. Velshi said, speaking on the federal government's behalf. "His bravery exemplified the highest virtues of the thousands of police officers who are willing to put their lives on the line every day."
Constable Garrett was slashed across the throat while responding to an alleged robbery in the early hours of May 15, 2004.
But before succumbing to his wound, the officer ran after his assailant, firing his service pistol and striking his killer in the leg with one last bullet.
It was revealed during Troy Davey's trial that the 18-year-old Cobourg resident had a deliberate plan to kill numerous officers and civilians. Mr. Davey was found guilty of murder on February 22, 2007 - two years and eight months after Constable Garrett's death.
With Mr. Davey's rights to a fair trial ensured, the Cross of Valour nomination was submitted by Port Hope Police Sergeant Darren Strongman and Pete Fisher of Cobourg in March 2007, and subsequently rejected.
Since then, more than 23,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Constable Garrett to receive the bravery medal. The story has garnered national media attention.
"I'm optimistic the government has seen the light and understands the interest of the Canadian people in righting a wrong on a technicality," Sgt. Strongman said Friday. It has been a "long frustrating journey" dealing with the governor general's office, he said.
It would be a very emotional moment if and when it is announced his best friend will receive the Cross of Valour posthumously, Sgt. Strongman said.
"I'll be ecstatic and my thoughts will be going back to the evening when Chris was so brutally murdered, but saved so many lives."
Scheduled to join Acting Chief Sweet at today's meeting were OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, York Regional Police Chief Armend La Barge and representatives from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Canadian Police Association and Toronto Police Service.
"I'm very, very pleased the prime minister refers to Constable Garrett's valour, which was lacking from the governor general," Acting Chief Sweet said.
The nomination process has been a "very long journey," Acting Chief Sweet said, "when you're trying to do what's right . You think of Chris Garrett and what he did - it certainly spurns you on."

Friday, November 30, 2007,
Garrett medal nomination gets PM's attention
Pete Fisher
A meeting will be scheduled as soon as possible between the two men who nominated Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett for the Cross of Valour and a member of Parliament appointed by the prime minister.
Northumberland-Quinte West MP Rick Norlock phoned Pete Fisher late Thursday to say "Prime Minister Stephen Harper is very much aware of the situation."
Mr. Fisher and Port Hope Police Sergeant Darren Strongman nominated Constable Garrett for the medal - Canada's highest non-military award for bravery.
Constable Garrett was murdered in the line of duty in May 2004. Despite suffering a mortal wound to his throat, the officer pursued his killer, firing all the ammunition in his service piston and hitting the fleeing man in the leg.
Cobourg resident Troy Davey, 18 at the time of the killing, was convicted in February 2007 of the first-degree murder of Constable Garrett.
Wanting to ensure a fair trial, Mr. Fisher and Sergeant Strongman did not nominate Constable Garrett for the award until after the trial - nine months beyond the deadline for nominations. A rule states that a nomination must be made within two years of the act of valour.
Mr. Norlock said the prime minister has appointed Secretary of State for Multiculturalism Jason Kenny to act on his behalf.
Mr. Norlock's assistant, Tom Rittwage, is to schedule the meeting for the three parties for sometime next week in Ottawa.
"It's clear this is an issue that is on the minds of thousands of people," Sergeant Strongman said. "But we're appreciative the federal government is willing to meet with us."

Editorial Page, Thursday, November 29, 2007
Our View
The real deal
Where is the Governor General? The office of Michaelle Jean has issued two statements saying the Governor General is "aware" and "empathetic" to the wishes of the thousands of people calling for slain Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett to be awarded the Cross of Valour.
The latest release, Tuesday afternoon's, came as a slap in the face on several levels. Rather than address the time limitation on Const. Garrett's nomination, the Governor General's office is now suggesting the Meritorious Service Decoration "for those who have demonstrated a highly professional performance of a deed or activity that brings considerable benefit or honour to Canada".
Or, how about creating a new decoration, the second proposal goes, "to recognize those citizens, like the late Constable Garrett, who have fallen in the line of duty"?
No one is disputing Const. Garrett was a victim May 15, 2004. But, he was much more than that. In his dying moments, he did not "fall in the line of duty". No, without pausing to attend to his own mortal wound, with his last breaths, he pursued his killer.
The fact Troy Davey's plans for more killing and mayhem went no further was as a direct result of one of Const. Garrett's bullets. Wounded, Mr. Davey sought medical attention which led to his arrest.
Under present rules, nomination for a Medal of Valour must be received by the Governor General's office within two years of the act of heroism. The details of Const. Garrett's bravery could not be fully disclosed until after the trial of his killer. That trial did not conclude until Feb. 22, 2007 - two years and nine months after Const. Garrett's death, nine months beyond the nomination deadline.
Chris Garrett's bravery has no time limit. Over 75,000 people across Canada recognize that fact. There are 57,000 people represented by the Canadian Police Association and close to 20,000 people (and increasing) who have signed the on-line petition supporting the Cross of Valour nomination. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has called for a time extension for nomination for the Cross of Valour.
We do not want a new decoration. That is an insult. We want Canada's highest non-military medal for bravery awarded properly. We want the Cross of Valour for Chris Garrett. Change the nomination time limit.
We want our Governor General to do what's right - for all Canadians.

Medal Of Valour
(Saturday, November 17)
I do not often agree with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, especially since his promises cannot often be trusted.
And he makes a lot of promises.
But I've got his back on this one — and that's his fight, with a growing chorus of others, to have the Medal of Valour awarded to a murdered Cobourg cop named Chris Garrett, killed in the line of duty on May 15, 2004.
I covered his murder, and Chris Garrett saved a lot of lives by managing to shoot his killer in the leg after his throat was slit while responding to a fake 911 call.
His killer — now convicted of first-degree murder — had plotted out what amounted to a killing spree, but Garrett's bullet put a stop to it.
The problem is that the Medal of Valour, presented when presented by the Governor-General, has a two-year time limit for nominations.
Trouble is, it took three years for Garrett's killer to make his way through the court system.
And so the honour for Garrett, a married father of two, was effectively derailed.
And this is wrong.
As our premier rightly said, “An act of bravery does not become invalid after two years. It continues to live in the hearts and the minds of those affected by it — family, friends, colleagues and community.”
I could not have said it better, so I will say no more.

Our monarch should say 'Off with their heads' for the way slain officer Chris Garrett's legacy is being treated by the G-G's office
By JOE WARMINGTON
"The Queen can't make a change to regulations. You can't go that route."
-- A Governor General's Office staffer yesterday on taking the Const. Chris Garrett medal fight to Buckingham Palace.
COBOURG -- It seems the folks at Rideau Hall are looking for a fight on this.
And you better believe they will get one.
The elitist head of state may have some lackeys on her side but slain Const. Chris Garrett also has some tough people prepared to participate in this deplorable game of chicken created by an out-of-touch and seemingly rigid Governor General's Office.
They do represent the Queen in this country and now, it seems, they speak for her. We actually may get to see if they are right! It's difficult to imagine Queen Elizabeth tagging along with the buffoonery in Ottawa this week that has turned a hero cop's memory into a punchline.
But in time, the Queen may get to determine if some bureaucrat in Ottawa, or some politically savvy CBC journalist turned Queen's representative are working for her or are the ones calling the shots. Those fighting to see Garrett get his well-deserved Cross of Valour posthumously are certainly prepared to take it to the monarch to find out.
CONVICTED TEEN
Meanwhile, in this town on Lake Ontario, you can actually go to the scene where Garrett had his life stolen from him May 15, 2004, by a teen named Troy Davey, who was later convicted of first-degree murder.
If you watch the video at torontosun.com you'll see it's at the corner of Chapel and Darcy Sts. -- the location of a phony 911 robbery call and ambush where the officer went from helping a pretend victim into being the victim.
"It's so despicable," Garrett's best friend, Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Strongman, said of the act. "There wasn't a better guy in the world than Chris."
He and Toronto Sun freelance journalist Pete Fisher are moving ahead with their application.
"Why doesn't the governor general just read the application and see what he did?" asked Strongman. "Just forget about our honest error in not knowing there was a deadline and judge him on the hero he is!"
The reason given so far is because the application was eight months late. Strongman and Fisher, unaware of a deadline, were waiting for Davey's trial to end before submitting it.
"We had to make sure the suspect had a fair trial," Strongman said.
WICKED
And now Garrett doesn't get a hearing at all. The whole thing is wicked. What this means is, if you learn of someone's heroics, it better be within two years of the act. It's nuts.
Even after pressure from Premier Dalton McGuinty, OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, Cobourg Acting Police Chief Paul Sweet, York Region Police Chief Armand La Barge, an appeal from hockey legend Don Cherry and even a harsh slapping by This Hour Has 22 Minutes, the best the G-G's office has been able to come up with is to offer a less significant medal or the creation a new one.
Only in Ottawa would they create a whole new bureaucracy and new medal when they already have the perfect one to honour this fallen hero. The details of Garrett's valour will end up one day as a movie and, perhaps, part of it will be how it also resulted in a Governor General losing the respect of a nation she purports to represent. If it happens it will be the only good thing that could ever come out of this.
If I end up following a delegation to see the Queen and get within earshot of Her Majesty, I will ask her to relieve Michaelle Jean from her duties immediately and send her back to the CBC where she can find out how frustrating it is to cover the lack of logic and pure stupidity of the likes of her.
"I will tell you if she does not reverse this very soon I, as well as many other police officers, will be returning our 20-year service medals in their box to her," Strongman said.
Fantino said last night if necessary, he and others will move ahead with plans to see the Queen.
"It's regrettable when people who make decisions don't take into consideration special circumstances such as Chris'," Fantino said. "This is unacceptable and we are determined that we will prevail."
The G-G, who has not returned media calls, may try to deflect responsibility but whatever way she wants to spin it her lack of action has been disgraceful. "The governor general is very concerned about this but there are regulations in place and changing policy is not within her purview," said the likeable spokesman, who added such changes must be made by the "privy council" at the direction of the "prime minister."
PASS THE PUCK
In this country we pass the puck. Not the buck. Imagine for a moment if Garrett, a husband and father, took the head-in-the-sand approach on the night he was ambushed and had his throat slit but still shot and wounded the kid with an evil plan?
I also wonder what protocols, rules and judgment were followed when, prior to getting the plum G-G posting, the Haitian-born Jean and her France-born husband Jean-Daniel Lafond were videotaped when a toast was raised at a meeting of traitorous Quebec separatists?
They seemed to get past it and are now called His or Her Excellency.
Things didn't seem to be done by the book there. There was flexibility and no talk about "purviews and regulations" either.
You'll have to remember not to volunteer to be a hero in this country because you might be disappointed with the results.
"I am broken-hearted," Canadian icon Don Cherry said yesterday. "For a government to do this is cold -- cold hearted."
Cherry, like so many other high profile Canadians, just want Garrett to get the medal he deserves.
"I will tell you, I knew officer Garrett personally and he was a hell of a guy," Cherry said. "Imagine all of this over a bureaucratic application form deadline!"
It makes one wonder why police officers would ever put him or herself out again.
Luckily, though, Canada has still had a history of brave people in uniform like Const. Garrett who are prepared to lay down their lives for others -- with or without official recognition.
Garrett had his throat slashed but still managed to fire his gun and wound the very man who had ambushed him as part of his sick list to rob and kill.
That plan did not come to pass, thanks to the 39-year-old's heroics, and the punk went to hospital to treat his wounds instead was arrested.
But now protocol, guidelines, bureaucracy, rules, regulations, pride and pure stubbornness are in the way of him getting the Cross of Valour.
Does anybody have a phone number for the Queen?

OTTAWA -It's not very often a Governor-General seeks shelter in the Prime Minister's Office from a barrage of public relations shrapnel, but that's what Michaelle Jean did yesterday.
As the screech of public protest that a mere technicality was preventing a fallen police officer from receiving her highest commendation escalated into a national snarl of disgust, Ms. Jean surrendered the file to the government to enact damage control.
Her office had decreed that a two-year deadline for a murdered Cobourg, Ont., cop's nomination to receive the Cross of Valour was carved in stone, even though regulations allow her to grant an extension.
That boneheaded decision rendered the 2004 heroics of Constable Chris Garrett -- who died after shooting his attacker in an act that likely prevented the deranged teen's planned massacre of more officers in the southern Ontario town--ineligible for medal consideration.
Const. Garrett's application had to wait until his killer's trial wrapped up with a first-degree murder conviction, a process that dragged eight months beyond the two-year cut-off for the award nomination.
The outrage over this procedural nitpick was too much for even comedy shows to stomach. The Tuesday edition of CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes unleashed a vicious attack on the Governor-General's intransigence, using a profanity-beep and descriptive language that pushed the limits for family television viewing. No matter. Their fury was justified.
A police-launched online petition demanding Ms. Jean relax the rules and grant Const. Garrett his posthumous entitlement ballooned from 13,000 signatures on Monday to more than 20,000 yesterday.
Faced with this backlash, the Governor-General issued a statement late on Tuesday asking the government to bestow Const. Garrett with a Meritorious Service Decoration and strike a new medal to salute his sort of sacrifice.
Oh puh-LEEZE. The Meritorious Service Decoration is far less prestigious and sounds more like a community service ribbon, bestowed on individuals for a "deed or an activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner." The Cross of Valour, by contrast, is the nation's second highest medal behind the Victoria Cross and is given for displays of "conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril".
A dying cop laces his assassin with the last bullet fired from his pistol and saves his police detachment from a planned bombing -- that's a helluva lot more than a "deed" done in a "professional manner."
And what's with her new medal notion? The Cross of Valour criteria fits with Const. Garrett's final tragic act. Even if it wasn't the correct recognition, there are already 21 other national awards or decorations for the Governor-General to hand out.
Not surprisingly, Ms. Jean's proposals instantly elevated the backlash to a new high.
"Before I was upset. Now I'm pissed off," Ontario Provincial Police Association president Karl Walsh told Cobourg reporter Pete Fisher. The 57,000-member Canadian Police Association is equally unimpressed and Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Julian Fantino says the oversight remains an "injustice".
The Prime Minister's Office admitted late yesterday they'd gone into scramble mode to find a way around the deadline hitch, but a quick resolution was rated as "unlikely" yesterday. How is this possible? The last line of the awards rules state "the Governor-General may make ordinances respecting the Canadian bravery decorations."
Even if Michaelle Jean is right to argue that further action falls to the Prime Minister's bureaucratic arm, what's taking Stephen Harper so long? The Prime Minister has a history of making tough decisions quickly, yet he seems curiously incapacitated at a veto over a mere bureaucratic wrinkle. It's time an award-winning performance by this government made the memory of Const. Garrett a big winner.

His throat fatally slit by an assassin's knife, Constable Chris Garrett still managed to empty a revolver clip of 17 bullets at his fleeing killer.
Crime scene forensics later determined it was Const. Garrett's desperate 17th shot that hit Troy Davey in the leg, forcing the teenager to seek immediate medical attention. Davey's arrest at the hospital thwarted his plans to massacre more officers and bomb the police station in sleepy Cobourg.
The May, 2004 tragedy would seem like a no-brainer to qualify Const. Garrett for the Governor-General's Cross of Valour, bestowed on those committing "acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril."
Const. Garrett was responding to a bogus robbery call when he was attacked by Davey. Police credited his actions with saving many other lives; the town all but closed down for his funeral, which was attended by more than 3,000 officers from across the country. It would be hard to conjure up a more perfect example of sacrifice beyond the call of duty.
But try telling that to Governor-General Michaelle Jean's office, which is invoking a two-year time limit on submitting nominations for the award to deny the 39-year-old father of two this posthumous honour.
The official rationale for the deadline is that supportive evidence could grow stale if applications arrive years after a heroic incident. Fair enough, if the only record of a deserving candidate's actions were eyewitness accounts that might be clouded by passing time.
But in Const. Garrett's case, the evidence could not be released before Davey's monthlong first-degree trial (and conviction) commenced in January this year, more than two years after the murder.
If the Governor-General's office needs reliable data to support Const. Garrett's heroic deed, there are stacks of trial transcripts that recount in horrific detail the deranged teen's minute-by-minute plot to deliver on his vow that "chaos is coming" to the town's police force.
It also doesn't appear to matter that other officers in similar circumstances have received extensions for other medals or that fine print appears to allow the Governor-General to grant an exemption to the deadline. Under this Queen's representative, a royal rule is a rule, no matter how ridiculous.
Now, not to put too fine a point on it, our 'hot' Governor General has become a bit of a 'not' recently, and this procedural inflexibility won't polish her once-glowing aura.
Her lackadaisical reading of the Throne Speech is said to have peeved the Prime Minister and had some people wondering is she was still stressed out by the job.
She's postponed next month's planned trip to Asia to salute Canada's assistance to tsunami victims, citing the need for more planning despite advance work that started last summer.
And her travel schedule this fall has consisted of just one overseas trip, where she attended a forum in Prague to screen another obscure movie produced by hubby Jean-Daniel Lafond.
Ironically, one of her most noteworthy recent activities was to give the Meritorious Service Cross to General Lance Smith of the United States Air Force for his Afghanistan assistance to the Canadian military. This, by the way, is an award that accepts nominations dating back to 1984, two years before Const. Garrett joined the Peel Regional police force.
My point, which will undoubtedly be considered a cheapshot by monarchists, is that the Governor-General appears to have plenty of time to ponder the nonsensical implications of her office's intransigence on this case.
She should take the time to scan the 13,000-plus signatures on a police petition backing Const. Garrett's nomination, read Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's letter requesting a deadline exemption, digest the letters from police officers across Canada who are threatening to return their medals to the Governor General in protest -- and then do the right thing and capitulate.
While her office seems to be feeling some heat from the controversy, it's so far only willing to consider an alternative award to the Cross of Valour.
Sorry, but that's a cop-out. If Ms. Jean continues to dig in her heels on a stuffy point of protocol, might I suggest our law-and-order Prime Minister demand she bend the rules so that Const. Garrett can receive his well-deserved medal posthumously.
An officer whose last living act was to create a trail of blood leading to a deranged killer deserves nothing less.

GG proposes alternate medal options for Garrett
Harsh reaction from police association
It's no Medal of Valour for murdered Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett. Instead, the Governor General's office is proposing alternate honours options according to a press release late Tuesday afternoon.
Governor General Michaelle Jean is requesting "the government explore two new options to recognize Constable Garrett," the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General press release states.
The release has been met with harsh criticism from the Canadian Police Association.
The options are to explore the "high level of professionalism demonstrated by the late Constable Garrett’s actions," Governor General spokesperson Lucie Caron states.
The Governor General has requested the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee consider a Meritorious Service Decoration for Constable Garrett.
"Meritorious Service Decorations honour those who have demonstrated a highly professional performance of a deed or activity that brings considerable benefit or honour to Canada."
The Governor General has also requested the government "consider the creation of a new decoration to recognize those citizens, like the late Constable Garrett, who have fallen in the line of duty."
Ms. Caron states the Governor General is "very aware of and empathizes" with the public’s desire to honour Constable Garrett for his "exceptional actions in the line of duty and for his service to his community."
"Before I was upset, now I'm pissed off," Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) President Karl Walsh said Tuesday evening as he disembarked from a plane in Winnipeg.
"They're being very anal retentive. This guy deserves this medal, plan and simple."
President of the Canadian Police Association (CPA) Tony Cannavino said he doesn’t believe the Meritorious Service Decoration carry the same meaning as the Cross of Valour for Bravery.
"Why create another medal?" Mr. Cannavino asked.
The CPA President said he represents 57,000 police officers across Canada and will be following it up with phone calls to the Prime Minister’s office and the Governor General’s office. "I don’t want to let this go."
"The exceptional courage that Chris Garrett had, this is why he should be entitled to the Cross of Valour," Mr. Cannavino said. "What is the problem?"
"I don’t give a damn about the time," he said, referring to the two-year time limitation.
"What a cop-out," OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino said from Washington. D.C. Tuesday evening. "This is an injustice."
He suggested the Governor General is "abdicating her responsibility".
"Never in my wildest dreams would I think a man-made rule could not be changed for the sake of bureaucracy," Mr. Fantino said. He has suggested the Governor General contact Queen Elizabeth II for a meeting to discuss changes to the regulations governing the awarding of medals.
Sgt. Darren Strongman of Port Hope, a close friend of Const. Garrett, nominated Const. Garrett for the Cross of Valour. He believes the Governor General is trying to find an easy way out.
"I felt like this was a slap in the face," Sgt. Strongman said.
"This is a man who knows he is dying and doesn’t think of himself, but runs after and shoots his killer."
Sgt. Strongman said no one knows how many lives Constable Garrett saved.
"You can’t give him anything except the Cross of Valour and anything else would be a gross miscarriage of justice."
Ms. Caron of the Governor-General's office stated that policies and regulations governing national honours fall within the purview of the National Honours Policy Committee, a committee under the responsibility of the Privy Council. This committee advises the Prime Minister on matters related to the Canadian honours system since regulations for national decorations are the responsibility of the Government in Council, not of the Governor General, and can only be amended by Order in Council.
Earlier Tuesday, Northumberland Quinte West MP Rick Norlock calling for the application process for the Cross of Valour and other decorations to re-evaluated.
Mr. Norlock was an police officer for 30 years retiring as a Sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police in 2000.
"Please do not allow Constable Garrett’s bravery to go unrecognized because an application deadline was not met."
When reached by phone about the Governor General’s release, Mr. Norlock said he was "disappointed."
"This man deserves that (Cross of Valour) medal," Mr. Norlock said.
He added, if the Governor General’s office states that it is a political decision, he will work towards that.
"If in the end, it requires a change in the rules, we need to do that," Mr. Norlock said.
Constable Chris Garrett was murdered May 15, 2004. Const. Garrett's throat was slashed by Troy Davey. Constable Garrett, rather than attempting to save his own life, fired all rounds of his service pistol. The last shot struck Mr. Davey in the leg which resulted in the wounded man abandoning his plans to kill more police officers and civilians. Mr. Davey, 18 at the time of the murder, was found guilty Feb 22, 2007 of first degree murder. He is currently in Kingston Penitentiary.

Written on Tuesday afternoon (November 27), before press release from GG's office came out.

The Canadian Police Association has unanimously supported a call to honour a slain Cobourg Police officer.
The Association representing 57,000 police officers from across Canada is calling for the Governor General to intervene and honour Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett.
Constable Garrett was murdered in May 2004 while responding to a robbery.
Though suffering one fatal slash to the throat, Constable Garrett managed to fire his service pistol striking his killer in the leg.
Troy Davey, then 18 was later arrested at hospital while being treated for a leg wound.
The trial concluded in February 2007, nearly three years after the officer was murdered.
Throughout the trial it was revealed Davey had an elaborate plan to murder numerous civilians and police officers.
A nomination to award Garrett the Cross of Valour, Canada’s highest non-military medal for bravery was turned down because the application had to be received within two years of the incident.
At it’s quarterly meeting in Ottawa, Ontario Provincial Police Association President Karl Walsh put forth a motion.
President of the Canadian Police Association, Tony Cannavino said the motion was two fold. “That the Canadian Police Association endorse the nomination of Chris Garrett for the Cross of Valour medal and further urge the office of the Governor General to intervene in this matter recognizing the extra-ordinary circumstances of the nomination.”
President Cannavino said it was, "so obvious for everybody, " the board’s 29 members supported the motion unanimously.
Pres. Cannavino said the members from across Canada had heard through media reports about the Governor General’s refusal and there was no need for a discussion on the matter.
"This is ridiculous," said Pres. Cannavino.
"Rules are rules, but common sense should prevail."
Stating how Constable Garrett was suffering from a mortal wound, but still summoned the courage to pursue his attacker.
President Cannavino said he’s "frustrated" that the Governor General hasn’t intervened at this point for Constable Garrett’s "exceptional courage.".
He is confident the Cross of Valour will be awarded posthumously to the slain Cobourg officer and will be contacting the Governor General’s office and the office of the Prime Minister today (Wednesday).

OPP czar vows to see slain cop honoured with the Cross of Valour, even if it means making a trip to beseech the Queen
By JOE WARMINGTON
If Governor General Michaelle Jean is unable to reverse a decision to not award slain Cobourg cop Chris Garrett the Cross of Valour, Ontario's top cop says the case should be taken to a higher power.
And it could require an airplane trip to Buckingham Palace to do it.
"If it's not in the governor general's authority to change this, perhaps it should be taken to Her Majesty," OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino said yesterday. "Perhaps a Canadian police delegation should be going to see the Queen herself. It is that important to us."
It's the latest development in a campaign to ensure Garrett, murdered May 15, 2004, gets Canada's highest non-military honour for bravery. It seems there is a bureaucratic hitch and some rigid rules and regulations at play here.
Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet and York Region Chief Armand La Barge have let their feelings known to the governor general, as has Premier Dalton McGuinty. Fantino has now added his two cents. "It's just not right," said Fantino, who says people are coming up to him at his book signings for Duty: The Life of a Cop, and expressing their concern and outrage.
This column was slated to be about Fantino's book today but the veteran cop asked that it be used to right a wrong and to help properly decorate a police officer who was heinously murdered as he helped protect others. Fantino also is using this space to announce it might be time for a new bravery medal to be established "from the policing community" that would complement other medals but would not need to go through the bureaucratic hands of Ottawa.
This Garrett case is one amazing set of circumstances and it's difficult to believe there is even any debate at all. The application for Garrett's medal has not been processed since it seems such consideration is given to only those forms submitted within two years of the actual incident -- a ridiculous notion since the case against his killer was before the courts and, to ensure the suspect was given a fair trial, the application was submitted after the verdict.
It should not be like filling out a contest to win tickets to a Raptors game. But those who filled it out are being treated as if it is. The application was submited eight months after the expiry date but just weeks after a conviction was gained in the first-degree murder case against Troy Davey.
It was revealed in court that Davey had a list of crimes he was going to commit, including create a "prank call" to 911, "take out officer(s)," then "rob" a gas station "take out cashier" then "pick up bomb bags" and then spread "more napalm in streets or buildings" and then "rob bank."
He ended his notes by saying "chaos is coming."
The facts show Garrett stopped that chaos. As Sun freelance reporter Pete Fisher says, thanks to Const. Garrett the bad guy only got to do four things on that list. Even with this throat slashed, Garrett still managed to fire off shots -- hitting the suspect and forcing him to go to hospital where he was arrested.
Garrett is a hero, plain and simple, says Fantino.
"It's just bureaucracy that is blocking this," he said. "At the end of the day, you know it's going to get changed and he will be given his medal."
He is right. Why even have the dance? How do they look in the mirror? Just give him the damned medal. Posthumously.
Fantino is ultra sensitive about police officers killed in the line of duty. In his captivating Key Porter-published book he details the pain of the murder of Toronto cop Michael Sweet in 1980, where he and fellow former Toronto Police chief David Boothby led the investigation. 30-year-old Sweet was shot twice after a bungled robbery.
"I felt sick," wrote Fantino. "Michael Sweet was a father of three little girls."
He feels the same way about this one since it was a similar act -- a wife lost her husband and two kids lost their dad. If anyone ever deserved this medal, it is the 39-year-old Garrett, said Fantino.
On Nov. 22 this statement from Rideau Hall was issued:
"The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General is examining, in consultation with the government, options for recognition of Constable Garrett's distinguished service to his community.
"The Chancellery of Honours of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General and members of the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee (Bravery) are aware of the strong interest Canadians have shown in the case of the late Constable Christopher Garrett and understand their desire to honour this fallen police officer."
Hopefully those carefully crafted words were not an attempt to finesse and discourage a bunch of police officers who spend their lives working around red tape. It's beyond the pale to even consider doing this to a cop who died in the line of duty.
Surely they have the time to deal with whatever rules need to be bent to properly honour a murdered peace officer who saved lives? Isn't that what they are there for?
Gabrielle D. Lappa, director of honours for the Governor General, was not available yesterday. If you want to call her directly, her number is 1-800-465-6890 and her e-mail is glappa@gg.ca.
Fantino's strong message should show them this is not going to go away. Many officers are threatening to turn in their 20-year service medals should this not be overturned.
Although he understands and appreciates the anger, Fantino said he does not feel handing in the medals is the way to go. "It shouldn't be necessary," he said. "I suspect the Queen will reverse this."
Sounds like some Canadian cops are thinking about a trip to London. If it happens and the Queen honours Garrett, a good cop will be awarded the medal he lost his life to get and Fantino may have to add another chapter to the next run of his new book.

One would wonder what this station would have without my video. I keep asking them not to run the video from that night, but they continue to do so.

G-G flip-flop on cop?
Jean will attempt to find way to honour Cobourg hero's valour despite time limit
A public outcry by the citizens of Canada for a murdered police officer hasn't gone unnoticed by the governor general's office.
On Thursday afternoon, the office issued a press release stating the federal government, members of the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee (Bravery) and the Governor General's office, "are aware of the strong interest Canadians have shown in the case of the late Constable Christopher Garrett and understand their desire to honour this fallen police officer."
The two paragraph statement also said the office of the Secretary to the Governor General is "examining, in consultation with the government, options for recognition of Constable Garrett's distinguished service to his community."
The story has garnered national media attention and an online petition has generated over 11,000 signatures from Canada to Afghanistan.
The Cobourg officer was murdered in the early hours of May 15, 2004 while responding to a bogus robbery call.
After suffering a fatal knife wound to the throat, Garrett ran after his killer firing his service pistol striking his assailant in the leg with the last bullet.
Troy Davey, then 18 was later arrested at Northumberland Hills Hospital a short time later while being treated for a gunshot wound.
In court, it was revealed Mr. Davey had a plan to kill numerous civilians and police officers and he was convicted of first-degree murder.
The crown attorney on the case said if not for the actions of Garrett, numerous others would have been murdered.
Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Strongman nominated his good friend Garrett for the Cross of Valour shortly after the court case concluded in February 2007.
But rules for the award say submissions must come in within two years of the events and so his was rejected.
After hearing about the statement, Strongman said he's hopeful. "To me the letter has a positive tone," he said.
"Hopefully the governor general's office will listen to the will of the Canadian people."

There's no expiry date on courage.
By any standard of what the Governor General's Cross of Valour recognizes -- "acts of the most
conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril" -- Cobourg Police Const. Chris Garrett deserves to be posthumously awarded this honour.
Garrett, 39, was murdered May 15, 2004, lured to his death by Troy Davey, 18, who phoned in a phoney robbery call. Davey fatally slashed the unsuspecting officer's throat -- a 25.7 cm cut from ear to ear.
Even as he was dying from loss of blood, Garrett gave chase, holding one hand to his throat to
staunch the bleeding, firing his revolver at the fleeing Davey with the other.
With his last shot, Garrett struck Davey in the leg, thwarting the latter's plan -- later found on his computer -- to murder other officers and civilians.
Garrett, with his dying breaths, helped apprehend his killer and prevented a bloodbath. That's an "act of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril."
Unfortunately, those nominating Garrett made a mistake. They missed the deadline -- two years
from the day of the event -- by a few months because they were pre-occupied ensuring Garrett's killer was successfully prosecuted. Some details of his heroics also had to be kept secret before
trial.
Officials initially said making an exception in this case would be unfair to others who had missed
the deadline. But yesterday, following an online petition signed by 11,000 people supported by
Premier Dalton McGuinty, Chief Bill Blair representing the Ontario Association of Police
Chiefs, the Ontario Provincial Police Association, and the Crown attorney who prosecuted
Davey, there was movement, but still no guarantee of a resolution.
The Governor-General's office did announce it's "examining, in consultation with the
government, options for the recognition of" Garrett's heroism, adding "(we) are aware of the
strong interest Canadians have shown ... and understand their desire to honour this fallen police officer."
We urge Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper to do the right thing. We understand rules are rules, but there's also a need for good judgment and common sense here. It's time to use it.

_________________________________________________

The following motion was passed at Quinte West City Council, at their regular Council Meeting on Monday, November 19, 2007:

“WHEREAS the City of Quinte West is a friend and neighbour of many communities throughout Ontario;

AND WHEREAS the City of Quinte West recognizes the important function and roll of members of our emergency services at a Municipal, Provincial, Federal and International level;

AND WHEREAS the City of Quinte West acknowledges the undeniable service and bravery of Police Constable Chris Garrett to the community of the Town of Cobourg and the Cobourg Police Service;

The City of Quinte West, its Council and citizens support the nomination made by the Cobourg Police Service for the awarding of the Cross of Valour to Police Constable Chris Garrett, this country’s highest non-military award, for his distinguished service, valour and bravery in the line of duty.

AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this motion, accompanied with a letter of support from the Mayor’s office, be forwarded to Acting Police Chief Paul Sweet, The Cobourg Police Service, Mr. Lou Rinaldi, Mr. Rick Norlock, Mr. Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Mr. Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and to Her Excellency Governor General The Right Honorable Michaelle Jean.

Moved by: Councillor Paul Kyte

Seconded by: Councillor Terry Cassidy

Passed unanimously.

November 19, 2007 - Police from across Canada may be sending back their police exemplary medals after the governor
general's office refused to allow a time extension for a slain Cobourg Police officer's nomination
for the Cross of Valour.
Const. Chris Garrett was slashed across the throat after responding to an alleged robbery in the early hours of May 15, 2004.
Before succumbing to the fatal wound, he fired his service pistol and struck Troy Davey, then 18,
who was convicted this past February in Const. Garrett's death.
During Mr. Davey's trial it was revealed he had a plan to bomb the Cobourg police station and
take out numerous other officers and civilians.
Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Strongman's nomination for his longtime friend to receive the
cross, Canada's highest non-military medal, was declined because the nomination was made after
a two-year time limit.
This was due to Mr. Davey's court case.
An on-line petition has since generated more than 3,000 signatures supporting the time
extension.
Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet said officers from Cobourg and outside the area have
approached him about returning their police exemplary medals for years of service. The medals are for 20, 30 and 40 years of service.
"They feel if you can't give one to our colleague for what he's done, it taints those medals."
The list of on-line supporters for the time extension for not only Const. Garrett, but for any other trial that extends past the two-year time period, includes police from across the country, retired
judges, and Const. Garrett's family members.
Tom Kaye, vice-president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, agreed a time
extension should be granted.
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"I think it definitely calls for a (time) extension and calls for a review of the process," he said.
The chief of the Owen Sound Police Service, he noted the judicial process was quicker many
years ago when the process of a two-year time limit for the bravery medals was created.
"These days, that's the norm."
"It was more important to convict Troy Davey than to put the medal forward," Chief Kaye said.
The governor-general's office said the time limit was imposed, in part, because the facts are
harder to verify after two years.
"This is clear a case, where that is not true," Chief Kaye said.
"There has to be exemptions to everything."
Chief Kaye stated he feels it's more of a "bureaucratic issue" holding up the medal.
Crown attorney David Thompson, who presided over the murder trial with the advent of the
Charter in 1982, said "the complexity of criminal proceedings has increased."
"So it would not be unusual now for a matter to take at least two years to come to trial for matters of this seriousness that would not have been in the case (previously)."
Mr. Thompson said it was imperative that details of the case were not released before the trial
started to give Mr. Davey a fair trial.
"Chris Garrett have been victimized once. To deny him this recognition as a result of some rule, would be to victimize them again," said Mr. Thompson.
"In my opinion this should not happen."

A Calgary Police officer said the rules were changed for him in honouring his bravery, and they should also be changed for a slain Cobourg Police officer.
Staff Sergeant Dave Wood signed the online petition and stated he received the Star of Courage for an act of bravery beyond the two year time limit
Speaking from his home in Calgary, Staff Sgt. Wood said on August 8, 1980 he was at a restaurant in Calgary with his wife and another couple when there was a disturbance at the bar.
At the time, the officer was 22-years-old and was a plumber by trade. Staff Sgt. Wood said he remembers watching staff at the restaurant asking the man to leave, but remembers something eerily strange about the man.
A short time later, the man came back, armed with a 12-gauge shotgun. After witnessing the man kill a waitress, Staff Sgt. Wood ran after the man without thinking of his own safety.
"I ran at him and we got into a wrestling match."
Staff Sgt. Wood said during the fight for his life, the man fired off another shot, but missed his target and struck the bar.
The man was convicted of murder, but because of the length of time for the trial a nomination was put in for Staff Sgt. Wood after the two year time limit.
While working at the Calgary Police Station last week, another officer sent around the link for the petition started by Cobourg resident Eric Spagnolo.
"When I read this it hit home."
The lead investigator (Detective Lorne Shields) and a secretary, "had to fight tooth and nail," for Staff Sgt. Wood to receive the Star of Courage.
The Star of Courage is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril.
Like the Cross of Valour and the Medal of Bravery, a nomination for the Star of Courage must have occurred within two years of the incident.
Staff Sgt. Wood called it a "precedent setting case" for the Star of Courage.
"It’s ludicrous," referring to the Governor General’s decision.
"How can they put a time limit on this?"
Staff Sgt. Wood said the Governor General’s office is penalizing the family.
"What I don’t understand is if they changed the rules for me, why can’t they for the fallen officer?"
"It’s not as if they can’t do it, because they’ve done it before."
The storm of protest against the Governor General’s decision is also growing the media from across the Country taking an interest.
In Sunday’s Calgary Sun, Calgary Police Association President Al Koenig said the merit of a potential candidate’s actions should take priority over the need to impose a deadline.
"I don’t think there’s an expiry date on heroic actions."
Mr. Koenig said applying for medals right after an officer is killed or hurt in the line of duty is the last thing on authorities minds as they deal with the legal proceedings.

An online petition started by a Cobourg man in an effort to persuade the Governor General to change the rules on time limitation and award the Cross of Valour to slain Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett is gaining momentum.
Eric Spagnolo’s petition supports a call to extend the deadline for nomination beyond two years after the act of bravery.
Constable Garrett was killed in the line of duty on May 15, 2004 while responding to an alleged robbery.
Though he sustained a mortal wound to the throat, Constable Garrett managed to fire his service pistol, with one round round striking the suspect in the leg. Eighteen-year-old Cobourg resident Troy Davey was arrested short time later at Northumberland Hills Hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg, and charged with first-degree murder.
Shortly after Mr. Davey’s trial concluded in February 2007 — more than two years after the murder — Port Hope Police Sergeant Darren Strongman submitted Chris Garrett’s name for the Cross of Valour — Canada’s highest non-military honour for bravery. But, because of a two-year time limit for considering nomination, Governor General Michaelle Jean’s office had turned down the application.
Since Mr. Spagnolo’s petition was initiated earlier this week, more than 400 supporters have added their names to it.
Brad Kelneck, the assistant Crown attorney who was involved in the prosecution of Mr. Davey, added his comments to the petition seeking a time extension.
“I can confirm the incredible bravery of Constable Garrett, that it led to not only to his death but to the saving of many lives in the community and finally, that the details of this could not have been made public by such an application until after the trial of his killer had ended this year,” Mr. Kelneck writes.
“To deny this honour based upon a strict interpretation of a limitation period that could not have been met would be a travesty and a dishonour to all existing recipients.”
Jim Thurston writes, “Unless trial information is made public at the start, this rule should be amended until two years after all information is made public.”
One former police officer said not allowing for the time extension is “inexcusable.”
“Only in Canada could this happen… what a pity,” writes Heather Carey.
“Why is there a time limit at all? Valour is Valour time should not be an issue no other recipient would object — you cheapen the award by refusing based on time — he didn’t,” Richard McCourt writes.
Director of honours Gabrielle D. Lappa of the Governor General’s office said Ms. Jean was “empathetic” and is “very aware” of the situation.
Although the press has reported Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty’s request for an extension to the two-year time limit, Ms. Lappa said she hadn’t received the request until this newspaper sent her a copy of Mr. McGuinty’s letter in the form of an e-mail.
“It’s nice to see the support from the citizens and fellow police officers from across the province and, possibly, Canada,” Sergeant Strongman says. “I can only hope the Governor General’s office is listening.
“The two-year time limit should be abolished — not only for Chris, but for everyone who is deserving of an award.”
To add your name to Mr. Spagnolo’s petition, go to http://www.PetitionOnline.com/05142004/

The director of honours with Canada’s Governor General’s office has said it would be unfair to previous nominees to allow a two-year deadline to be extended for a slain Cobourg Police officer.
Gabrielle D. Lappa said members of the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee have turned down a request for a time extension for Cobourg Police Const. Chris Garrett to be eligible for the Cross of Valour.
“It’s a slap in the face to every police officer in Canada as far as I’m concerned,” said Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet. “Maybe it will take every police officer in Canada to stand up and scream to make a change.”
The medal is the highest non-military medal for bravery in the country. To be eligible, nominees’ names must be submitted within two years of their heroic act.
Const. Garrett was murdered on May 15, 2004 while responding to an alleged robbery at the site of the former hospital in Cobourg. Troy Davey, then 18, cut Const. Garrett’s throat, but the officer managed to empty his service pistol, striking his fleeing assailant in the leg and making it more likely that the suspect would be caught.
Mr. Davey turned himself in to police at Northumberland Hills Hospital where he was being treated for his leg wound.
During the trial it was revealed Mr. Davey had a plan to murder numerous police officers and civilians.
“Chaos is coming,” Mr. Davey had written, alongside his plans. The trial concluded in February, 2007 with a first-degree murder conviction.
Shortly after the trial, close friend and Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Strongman submitted Const. Garrett’s name for consideration for the Cross of Valour.
At the time, Sgt. Strongman knew it was approximately eight months past the two-year nomination deadline, but because of the court proceedings, details of the night of the murder had been kept confidential to protect the accused’s rights.
Ms. Lappa said although there has always been a two-year time limit, it was written in the regulations in 2004.
“To begin to make an exception to the regulation at this time would be unfair to previous nominations which did not meet the deadline for submission. I hope that you will understand our inability to modify the regulations in this case.”
The letter from the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall said Ms. Lappa has been following closely, “the many exchanges of correspondence, electronic mail messages and phone calls from people who admired and respected Constable Garrett and who wish to see him recognized for his actions.”
Although Ms. Lappa conceded she did not know all the details of the case, she wrote, “from all I have read, he was an exemplary officer dearly appreciated by his community and co-workers.”
One of the main reasons for the two-year limitation, Ms. Lappa explains, was the difficulty in finding “witness statements and accurate recollections of the incidents after two years had passed.”
“Because of this, we have had to turn down nominations, many of them as emotionally charged as that of Constable Garrett.”
On Tuesday, Ms. Lappa said she may have chosen the wrong words when she wrote, “emotionally charged.”
Two previous medal recipients were awarded medals after the two-year time limit. They were awarded the medal as the result of an incident that happened in 1969. The date of their application was July 20, 1972, and both men were awarded the medal posthumously on July 8, 1973.
“What happened was 34 years ago. We made a mistake, perhaps,” said Ms. Lappa.
She stated that if Sgt. Strongman had submitted the application before the two-year time period, the committee would have waited to make a decision until the court proceedings were complete, though on the Governor General’s Web site, it gives no indication of that procedure.
Asked if there is an appeal process, Ms. Lappa would only say, “Is it final? It’s not up to me to say that.”
Numerous citizens, including the President of the Ontario Association of Police Chiefs and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, have pleaded for a time extension.
Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet said the recognition of the bravery of any individual shouldn’t have a time limit.
“In this case, the facts have been tested in a court of law, which to me even makes it easier to rely on those facts.”
Acting Chief Sweet hopes other Premiers across Canada will join with Mr. McGuinty to call an extension.
When Sgt. Strongman heard about the Governor General’s office turning down the nomination, he was very disappointed. “To put a time limit on it, is shameful.”
Sgt. Strongman remembers what Constable Garrett used to say. “Chris said to me once to pick your fights and I’ve just picked it. I’m not going to give up.”
Cobourg resident Eric Spagnolo has started an on-line petition calling for Canadians to call for a time extension for the Cross of Valour. His wife, Lauren, works as a communications dispatcher at the Cobourg Police Service.
“I did it to help recognize Chris’s sacrifice for the people of this community. A time limit should not have a bearing on his action.”

The President of the Ontario Association of Chief of Police (OACP) Bill Blair has
written to the Governor General of Canada requesting the criteria for awarding of
Medal of Valour medals be modified.
At present, there is a two-year time limit from the date of an incident to make
application for a medal.
"It makes it virtually impossible for fallen police officers to qualify for the award,"
Chief Blair said.
Chief Blair said he wrote the letter on behalf of all the men and women in policing
throughout Ontario. He specifically named Cobourg Police Constable Chris
Garrett who was killed on May 15, 2004. The trial process for the man ultimately
found guilty of Constable Garret's death extended beyond the two-year medal
application limit. With the trial underway, details of the case were prohibited from
being made public.
"Unfortunately, the two-year window for the application had expired, meaning that
Constable Garrett’’s ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the people of Cobourg cannot
be honoured by awarding him this medal," Chief Blair's letter to Governor General
Michaelle Jean.
Chief Blair’’s letter states officers who may be deserving of a medal of honour
cannot qualify because of court processes that typically exceed 24 months.
"On behalf of Ontario’’s police leaders and the men and women who serve as
police officers across Ontario, I am asking for your assistance in modifying the
time limit criteria so that our fallen officers can qualify for the Medal of Valour."
The letter was written Oct. 26 and copied to the Minister of Public Safety,
Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the Chiefs of Your
Regional Police Service and Windsor Police Service, and the Executive Director
of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

It may not be possible for slain Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett to
posthumously be awarded a Cross of Valour. Procedural changes to the
application process may prevent the awarding of the nation]s highest non-military
medal for bravery a representative of the Governor Generals office says.
A stipulation on the Governor General’’s website states there is a two-year time
limit from the date of the incident for a medal application, thus Constable Garrett
may not be eligible to receive a medal.
However, the application could have started before the trial had concluded Marie-
Paul Thorne, Honours Information Officer with the Governor General's office in
Ottawa said last Friday.She agreed the Governor General’’s website should be
changed to reflect the application process could be started, without all the details
being released because of court proceedings.
"We can change that," Ms. Thorne said.
Another discrepancy:in fact, the Cross of Valour medal has been twice been
posthumously awarded to individuals beyond the two-year time limit.
Two men were awarded the Cross of Valour for their actions after an explosion
aboard a Canadian naval ship in 1969. Their application was received in 1972, two
years and nine months after the incident happened.
Originally, there was not a restriction on the time period for the awarding of
medals, Ms. Thorne explained, but could not say when the two-year time
restriction for the application was put in place.
It's "very unfortunate," Ms. Thorne said of the Chris Garrett nomination. She said
she does understand why the process for Constable Garrett was not started until
after the trial concluded.
Constable Garrett was murdered in the line of duty in May of 2004 after
responding to an alleged robbery at the former hospital on Chapel Street.
Convicted murderer Troy Davey slashed Constable Garrett’’s throat as part of an
elaborate plan to kill numerous police officers and civilians in a night of terror.
Because of court proceedings, the details Mr. Davey's plan and the role Constable
Garrett played preventing its execution plan could not be revealed until the trial of
Mr. Davey was completed in February 2007.
Immediately following the trial, Assistant Crown Attorney called Constable
Garrett a hero.
After having his throat slashed, Constable Garrett emptied his service pistol. One
round struck Mr. Davey.
"But for that, Mr. Davey’’s actions would have continued and we would be
dealing with a much greater number of fatalities than we did," Crown Attorney
Brad Kelneck outside court February 2007.
After murdering Constable Garrett, Mr. Davey went to Northumberland Hills
Hospital in Cobourg to be treated for a gunshot wound to the leg. Later, Mr.
Davey turned himself into police at the hospital.
Shortly after the February trial concluded, Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren
Strongman nominated Constable Garrett for Canada’’s highest non-military medal
of bravery. His nomination included numerous local and national newspaper
articles about events relating to Constable Garrett's death and the subsequent trial
of Mr. Davey.
Ms. Thorne, of the Governor General's office, last Friday explained more about the
process for the Cross of Valour.
The Decorations Committee for Bravery is composed of public service executives
and experts in a variety of fields, including aviation, fire services and the RCMP.
The committee, usually with 11 members, is chaired by the Deputy Secretary of
the Chancellery.
The committee meets up to three times per year and could take up to two years to
decided if a medal is to be awarded.
Once an application for the awarding of the medal is received, it goes through an
independent advisory committee.
It is the decision of the committee which medal, if any, will be awarded.
The three medals for bravery are: the Cross of Valour, Star of Courage and Medal
of Bravery.
The Cross of Valour is awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in
circumstances of extreme peril.
The Star of Courage is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances
of great peril.
The Medal of Bravery is awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Ms. Thorne said the circumstances for receiving the Cross of Valour are
"extremely intense." Each application process goes through a police investigation
where witnesses are interviewed and facts verified.
Letters concerning the medals application must be made formally - in writing. E-
mails of support are not accepted during the process.
Each letter received receives a response.
Sgt. Darryl Strongman’’s letter to the Coordinator of Decorations and Medals
states awareness of the time limit but, because of the restraints on disclosure posed
by the subsequent trial, an extension of time is requested.
"We feel it would be a travesty to allow eight months to block this officer from a
very deserving award. There are exceptions in every aspect of our life," Sgt.
Strongman's letter states, noting Constable Garrett was a "victim" but, through his
actions, became a "hero."
The Strongman letter ends with the hope Constable Garrett will be presented with
the Cross of Valour.
"And, in doing so, we hope that every Canadian will read about the heroic efforts
of this officer and how he gave his life in the protection of others," Sgt.
Strongman's letter of medal application states.

Acting Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet said he spent most of Friday morning responding to
emails from people supporting the medal for a fallen Cobourg Police officer.
Toronto media and local media broadcast the story that a stumbling block may prevent Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett from receiving the Cross of Valour - Canada’s highest non-military medal for bravery.
Constable Garrett was murdered when he was lured to the former Cobourg Hospital in the early hours of May 15, 2004.
Though mortally wounded, Constable Garrett managed to fire, and empty his service pistol, with the last shot striking his assailant.
Though it wasn’t known at the time, the murderer had a plan to kill numerous civilians and
police officers that night. After the trial had concluded and the suspect found guilty and
sentenced to life in prison were the facts known what Constable Garrett did.
The stumbling block for the application is a two-year time limit. Since the murderer was not
convicted until nearly three years, by the rules of the application process, Constable Garrett is not eligible.
The Cobourg Police Service held a news conference on Thursday with local and national media present.
Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Strongman made the application complete with media articles from the trial and numerous people involved with the trial stating Constable Garrett was a hero and saved numerous lives that night.
Acting Chief Paul Sweet said on Friday, following the press conference and media articles, he
received approximately 25 emails from people across the Province stating they support the time extension.
“To place a time line on the application process for a police officer killed in the line of duty
being eligible for this award is red tape at its worst. Of course the rights of the accused, now a convicted police murderer, are entrenched in the Charter but the protector of the public falls between the cracks,” emailed one person.
Another wrote, “If Constable Garrett's actions do not deserve recognition with this honour, I
simply do not know what would.”
One email was sent to the Governor General asks for an extension.
“I hope you can come to appreciate the extenuating circumstances in this case and provide Constable Garrett the honour he richly deserves. I never knew Constable Garrett, or anyone else in the Cobourg Police Department. But Constable Garrett and men and women like him in
Emergency Services provide to the rest of us the finest examples of Canadian values.”
Acting Chief Sweet said the letters he’s received from people from across the Province show the public would be appalled if the time extension was not allowed.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has now been notified of the situation and Acting
Chief Sweet said there support is also anticipated.
Acting Chief Sweet said time is of the essence and if anyone wishes to support the appliction,
please phone or call as soon as possible before a decision is made concerning the time extension.
To support the application for Constable Garrett to receive a time extension, people can email at info@gg.ca, or phone 1-800-465-6890 or write to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A1.

A fallen hero might not receive the Cross of Valour, Canada's highest non-military medal for bravery, because of a rule stating the application must be made within two years of the nominee's display of bravery.
Cobourg Police Constable Chris Garrett was murdered in the early hours of May 15, 2004 after responding to an alleged robbery.
The man convicted of Constable Garrett's murder, Troy Davey, posed as the victim of the robbery, but in reality had a plan to murder numerous officers and civilians using firearms and homemade bombs.
Although Constable Garrett suffered one fatal cut to the throat at Mr. Davey's hands, he managed to fire all the rounds in his service pistol before succumbing. One shot struck the fleeing Mr. Davey in the leg.
Mr. Davey turned himself in to police after seeking treatment at the Northumberland Hills Hospital.
He was sentenced to life in prison on February 22, 2007 - almost three years after the murder.
Shortly after Mr. Davey's conviction, Port Hope Police Sergeant Darren Strongman - Constable Garrett's friend for more than 20 years - submitted the application for the Cross of Valour. The "package" contained numerous articles from national and local newspapers on the murder and trial and quoted police and court officials stating that, had it not been for Constable Garrett's actions, numerous other people would undoubtedly have been murdered.
Acting Chief of Cobourg Police Paul Sweet said he counts himself as one of the people Constable Garrett saved that morning.
"I would have been coming in to work. If it not been for his actions when he was mortally wounded... being able to fire off 17 shots, with the last one hitting his murderer and thwarting his plan. Untold people were saved because of Constable Garrett's actions.
"The frustrating point in this is we couldn't speak or present case properly for Constable Garrett ( before the two-year deadline elapsed, in order) to protect the rights of this murderer," Acting Chief Sweet said.
"But then, to have Constable Garrett penalized because of that - it's totally ironic."
Acting Chief Sweet has sent a letter to Governor General Michaelle Jean, appealing for a time extension. Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, has informed Acting Chief Sweet the association will also request an extension.
"The two-year limit is in conflict with the judicial process," Acting Chief Sweet said.
"It not only affects the Chris Garrett situation, but potentially (prevents) any other police officer from receiving it when there are criminal charges involved."
Port Hope Police Deputy Chief Garry Hull, who was also in attendance at yesterday's press conference in Cobourg, said "two years does not reflect an appropriate time frame" given today's "fairly lengthy" court process.
A website on the medal states, "The Cross of Valour is awarded only for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril." The two-year deadline has been waived at least once since the Cross of Valour was established in 1972 to replace the Order of Canada's Medal of Courage.
The cross was awarded posthumously in 1973 for the recipient's actions in 1969. The application was made in 1972.
Acting Chief Sweet said although the Governor General's office has not officially refused the application for the Cross of Valour, staffers have said there is a slim chance because of the time frame. "Our hope is that the Governor General herself will step in and issue an extension," Sergeant Strongman said, "because the facts speak for themselves: Chris Garrett was a hero."

Police vow to continue fight for Garrett's honour
By Pete Fisher
Leaders in the policing community came to Cobourg last Friday to watch as hometown boy Paul Sweet was sworn in as police chief.
They also came to be united in their resolve to honour a slain Cobourg hero.
Cobourg Police Chief Paul Sweet, OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino and York Regional Police Chief Armand LaBarge spoke exclusively to the Cobourg Daily Star about the frustration they have encountered in their efforts to honour Constable Chris Garrett, who was murdered in the early hours of May 15, 2004 while attending a robbery call.
The person convicted of murder had planned to murder numerous officers and civilians. But for the actions of Constable Garrett firing his service weapon and striking his 18-year-old assailant, the murderous rampage would have continued.
Since Prime Minister Stephen Harper stepped in and amended the nomination rules in December 2007, the late Constable Garrett is now eligible for a heroism medal — specifically the Cross of Valour, Canada’s highest non-military medal for bravery.
“This is going to happen,” said Commissioner Fantino, standing alongside Chief LaBarge and Chief Sweet.
Commissioner Fantino said the prime minister “intervened to right this wrong and it appears we are now stuck with some roadblock at a bureaucratic level in the Governor General’s administration.”
With the delay in the decision from the Governor General’s office, people have speculated the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee may be stalling in hope the public outcry to recognize Constable Garrett’s heroism will fade.
“If there is any idea that we would be frustrated into submission,” Commissioner Fantino stated, “those who have those beliefs and appear to exercise that kind of philosophy just don’t understand the resolve that we’re talking about here.”
Commissioner Fantino said he can rationalize most things that are unfair and unjust, “but when it comes to honouring someone who gave their life in the service of citizens and in the fulfilment of their oath of office, who is not here today to speak — I think it calls upon on all of us, not only as police leaders, but as a society of caring and conscientious Canadians to say this is outrageous. It’s got to be righted and we’re not going to go away until it’s done.
“And that we have to, in this wonderful democratic country of ours go through such pain and suffering and frustration trying to get the bureaucracy to move and do the right thing for all the right reasons….
It’s an “injustice,” he said.
Chief LaBarge said , “I don’t think any of us will rest until such time as Chris is properly recognized for the heroic efforts he made just prior to his death.”
On Friday, Sun Media reported Governor General Michaelle Jean has racked up more air miles on the government’s fleet of jets in the last year than the prime minister has.
Commissioner Fantino reiterated once again on Friday that, if it takes a visit to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace to have Const. Garrett awarded the Cross of Valour, it will be done.
“And we’ll do it at our own expense. We won’t be burdening the taxpayers to get this wrong righted.”