HONOURING A COMRADE
A fellow District 5 officer views floral tributes at the spot where Sgt. Andrew Harnett was killed Thursday night. Harnett was struck by a vehicle fleeing a traffic stop.
Several Calgary police officers stood at a makeshift memorial at the site of Sgt. Andrew Harnett's death on Sunday, thanking children and families who set down flowers and handwritten notes to honour the slain officer.
Harnett was killed New Year's Eve during a traffic stop. His fellow officers and members of the community mourned his death over the weekend, lighting homes with blue bulbs and stopping by makeshift memorials at the scene and the District 5 headquarters.
Colourful flower bouquets and handwritten notes were left at the memorials to honour and thank Harnett for his sacrifice.
“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.”
A young boy shyly approached the memorial on Sunday, setting down a painted wooden tribute he had created. The officers at the scene thanked him as he scurried back to his family.
Calgary Police Service Chief Mark Neufeld has continued to thank the community for an outpouring of support after what he called the “senseless” killing of Harnett.
“These last several days have been extremely difficult for us. Yet we continue to be uplifted by the enormous outpouring of compassion, encouragement and support from our amazing partners and our wonderful community. Thank you all, it means more than you could ever know,” Neufeld said Sunday in a Twitter post.
Neufeld said officers did a tremendous job locating and charging those believed to be responsible while continuing to serve the community, attending calls as they mourn the loss of a colleague.
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 died of his injuries in hospital just before midnight.
His death sparked a citywide manhunt on New Year's Day by members of the local force. Two individuals, aged 17 and 19, were arrested in connection with Harnett's death just hours later, when they turned themselves in at police headquarters. They are facing charges of first-degree murder.
On Saturday, Bonita Croft, chair of the Calgary police commission, released a statement mourning the death of Harnett.
“Sgt. Harnett was a beloved officer who served Calgarians honourably during his 12 years with the Calgary Police Service. In that time, he received awards for teamwork and co-operation as well as two Chief's Awards for saving the life of another. His courage, dedication and sacrifice in service to our city will be remembered with gratitude,” Croft said.
She offered condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Justice Minister and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu said in a statement Friday that Harnett's death highlights the risk police officers face while carrying out their duties.
“This is a devastating reminder of what the brave men and women of law enforcement face every day when they put on their uniform. As officers work to keep Albertans and our communities safe, their families hope to see them safe again at the end of their shift,” Madu said.
“As we grieve the loss of this officer, let us remember his selflessness in choosing a life dedicated to public service and safety, and the sacrifices made by his family in doing so.”
Toronto police's 51 District posted a photo of Harnett's former Calgary partner of six years, Cst. Matthew Saade, saluting the flags at half-mast outside the headquarters.
The Calgary Tower went dark on New Year's Day in honour of the fallen officer.
A blue ribbon campaign also is underway in the city for locals to show their support for the officer and his family by tying blue ribbons on their homes and trees.