‘A gentle giant’: Toronto officer killed in the line of duty honoured at funeral

A family man. A mentor. A dedicated public servant.

That’s how Const. Jeffrey Northrup was remembered during an emotional funeral service at BMO Field in downtown Toronto on Monday.

Several thousand police officers from across the country gathered in Toronto to say goodbye to Northrup, who died in the line of duty on July 2.

In a moving eulogy, Northrup’s wife, Margaret, said her late husband “loved life to the fullest, and life loved him back.”

“His presence grounded me and his arms surrounded me,” she said. “You were my knight, my strength, my confidant and my best friend.”

“I am lost without you, however I will remain strong with you still in my heart and by my side.”

Colleagues and dignitaries lauded Northrup for his loyalty to his family, his city, and his fellow officers.

Premier Doug Ford was one of the first speakers, saying he was “honoured” to be asked to share a few words at the service.

Addressing Northrup’s family with a cracking voice, Ford said: “On behalf of every resident of Ontario I want to recognize the unimaginable loss … I commend you for your strength and poise in the face of this unbearable tragedy.”

Mayor John Tory spoke of Northrup’s enthusiasm for policing and thanked all officers for putting their lives on the line to assure public safety.

“We are eternally in their debt,” Tory said.

“While his life was tragically cut way too short, I know all his three kids will be able to look back with immense pride at a life given with distinction and integrity to the service of others.

“Jeff, thank you for being a good person, for being a good family man and for being a good police officer … may your life of service be blessed and may you rest in peace.”

Toronto police Chief James Ramer recalled Northrup’s “unshakable commitment” to policing and his family.

“Jeff loved his job and did it with diligence and dedication,” Ramer said

“Though we may grieve we should not despair, honour Jeff’s life by looking out for one another,” Ramer advised. “Although we can not match Jeff’s sacrifice, we can try to match his sense of service.”

“Your service and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Supt. Greg Cole, who worked closely with Northrup at 52 Division, called him a “gentle giant” who mentored younger officers who called him “coach.”

“Jeff was a large man, but never menacing,” he said. “Towering, but endearing. Commanding, but respectful.”

#BREAKING The casket carrying the remains of Toronto Police Detective Constable, Jeffrey Northrup, enters BMO Field. The officer, with more than 31 years with the service, was killed in the line of duty earlier this month. @680NEWS pic.twitter.com/dvuQxyJ3oP

— Mark Douglas (@Douglas680NEWS) July 12, 2021

Northrup was killed in what investigators have called a deliberate act while he was responding to a report of a robbery in a parking lot at Toronto City Hall earlier this month.

Police said he died after being struck by a vehicle. A 31-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder.

Police said Northrup served the force for 31 and a half years.

Thousands of police officers from across Canada await the start of the funeral at BMO Field for fallen Toronto Police, Detective Constable, Jeffrey Northrop, killed in the line of duty on July 2. @680NEWS pic.twitter.com/j5ulXbNSmM

— Mark Douglas (@Douglas680NEWS) July 12, 2021

“Jeff was hugely liked by his neighbours, community, colleagues and friends,” Toronto police said in a statement.

“He has been praised for his kindness, energy and enthusiasm for work and life. He was dedicated to his wife and family, and his work as a police officer.”