A grey and wind-blown waterfront along Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie was the launching pad for the second annual Greg Pierzchala Memorial Run on Saturday. The event was held in memory of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer, who grew up in Barrie, and was gunned down in December 2022 near Hagersville while responding to a call for a vehicle in a ditch.
At the time of his death, Pierzchala had been with the OPP for just over a year and was notified that he had passed his 10-month probation period just hours before he was killed.
A man and a woman were charged with first-degree murder.
Proceeds from the 5K run are used to support students through the Greg Pierzchala Scholarship that was created at St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Barrie, where he was a student, and in support of projects at Holy Spirit Parish in Barrie, which was Greg's home church.
Before the run started, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said it was Greg's childhood dream to be a police officer.
"That inspires us, that energizes us, and that reaffirms our commitment to ensure that we continue to do the difficult and dangerous work that Greg started, and that we never let up, and we always persevere."
.@OPPCommissioner Carrique: Today, we're honouring Greg Pierzchala's Legacy at the 5K Memorial Run/Walk along Barrie's beautiful waterfront. All proceeds raised will be donated to Holy Spirit Parish and used to set up a scholarship fund at St. Joan of Arc CHS in Greg's name. ^ks pic.twitter.com/3F10Agja5o
— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) May 11, 2024
Carrique said Greg always wanted everyone to do and be better.
"As you do the first part of the run and that headwind is beating down on your chest and you're finding it harder to find your stride and stay in cadence, and you're wondering whether you're going to make it to the next turnaround, and when you turn around to come back, you will feel Greg at your back. He will be the wind beneath your wings and you will finish stronger than you started, and that's what Greg would do."
Banner image supplied - file - Ontario Provincial Police
