Officers from the Barrie Police Service and South Simcoe Police Service are among more than 200 participants taking part in the 22nd annual National Police Officers Memorial Run, which begins this morning at Queen's Park in Toronto and concludes in Ottawa ahead of Sunday's Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial on Parliament Hill.
For Barrie Police Constable Sarah Bamford, the three-day journey remains as emotional and meaningful today as it was when she first took part more than a decade ago.
"The experience is overwhelming," Bamford said. "When I look back to the first time I did this run about 13 years ago, it was overwhelming then, and I still have that same feeling now."
The run honours fallen police officers while also raising awareness for the national memorial service held each year in Ottawa. A significant part of the event involves members of Survivors of Law Enforcement (SOLE), an organization that supports the families of officers who died in the line of duty.
"What makes this run significant is those members of SOLE run along with us throughout the run," Bamford said. "You see the children of fallen officers who took part when they were very young, and now they're in their twenties, still coming back with their families. It's an opportunity to show these families that although they've lost a loved one in the line of duty, they haven't been forgotten. They're still part of our police family."
Along the route, runners are greeted by residents in communities across Ontario, many of whom return year after year to show their support.
"They come out, they cheer us on, they have signs," Bamford said. "At some points it gets a little emotional. It brings tears to your eyes because you really understand what this run is about and how important it is for these family members to know that people still recognize the sacrifice their loved one made."
The run's arrival in Ottawa is one of its most powerful moments. Participants are joined by the Ride to Remember, a four-day cycling tribute, before making their way onto Parliament Hill, where families of fallen officers gather to welcome them.
"There are no words to describe what you see," Bamford said. "When we get to Parliament Hill, it's an opportunity to be met by all the families. They're there welcoming us in and cheering us on. You really have to be part of it to feel that experience."
