KAWARTHA LAKES-Two police officers shot and killed in the line of duty in Innisfil on Tuesday night have been identified.
33-year-old Constable Devon Northrup and 54-year-old Morgan Russell were identified by South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke at a news conference this afternoon.
Northrup has been with Simcoe Police for six years while Russell was a 33-year veteran. Northrup was part of the Community Mobilization and Engagement Unit and was a member of the Mental health Crisis Outreach and Support Team as well as the Emergency Response Team. He is survived by his partner and his parents.
Russell was a trained crisis negotiator and assigned to uniform patrol. He is survived by his wife and two teenage kids.
“This is personal for me. I went to police college with Morgan 33 years ago.” said Chief Van Dyke. “We ask for your patience and privacy as we attempt to come to terms with the loss of these two beloved members of our family.”
The two officers responded to a disturbance call at a home in Innisfil at approximately 8 pm
Tuesday night. Upon arrival, there was an exchange of gunfire. Both officers and the suspect were killed.
The SIU is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the suspect while York Regional Police will be investigating the deaths of the officers.
Premier Doug Ford commented on the tragedy.
“I am heartbroken to learn that two South Simcoe Police officers were killed in the line of duty. We are praying for the officers’ families and all police officers who put their lives on the line to protect our communities.”