Police chief thankful for support following officer’s death
CALGARY — Calgary’s top cop says the service is “immensely grateful” for an outpouring of community support after the “senseless” killing of Sgt. Andrew Harnett during a traffic stop on New Year’s Eve.
“There is no doubt we are all feeling this loss, but please know this community support is helping us all navigate this difficult time,” said Calgary Police Service chief Mark Neufeld on Saturday.
“Knowing you are thinking of Andy, his family and our policing family, when you yourselves are dealing with all of the uncertainty and challenges of the past year, is comforting to say the least. We are proud to serve you and I am proud to lead our officers and support staff.”
Just before 11 p.m. on the final night of 2020, Harnett stopped a vehicle in the northeast community of Falconridge.
The driver sped off, striking and dragging the officer, who succumbed to his injuries just before midnight at a hospital.
His death sparked a citywide manhunt on New Year’s Day by dozens of members of the local force. Two individuals, ages 17 and 19, were arrested in connection to Harnett’s death just hours later when they turned themselves in at police headquarters. They are facing charges of first-degree murder.
Colourful flower bouquets and handwritten notes have been left by members of the public and officers at makeshift memorials located at the scene of Harnett’s death and the District 5 headquarters.
“Thank you for protecting our city to make us safe. You are a great hero and you will be remembered for your 12 year services,” reads a letter signed by a Grade 7 and Grade 4 student, with a scribbled drawing of a broken heart. Another card slipped between blue and white flowers reads: “Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Sgt. Harnett and the Calgary Police.”
The Calgary Tower went dark on New Year’s Day in honour of the fallen officer. In the community of Auburn Bay, locals dressed their homes in blue Christmas lights. One read “#RIP4601” — Harnett’s badge number — in giant letters.
A blue ribbon campaign is also underway in the city for locals to show their support for the officer and his family by tying blue ribbons on their homes. Many are already decorating homes in Calgary.
The investigation is ongoing.