Pete Fisher, Cobourg, ON (Sun Media) - After a long bureaucratic battle that sparked a growing furor, changes have been made so slain Const. Chris Garrett can be considered for the Cross of Valour.
The governor general’s office said it has officially received word that the Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations have been amended and Garrett’s application for the hero’s medal can now be considered.
Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Strongman, who nominated Garrett, welcomed the news.
“It’s been a long haul to get to this point and we hope the committee will decide solely based on the facts,” he said. “And the facts show that Const. Garrett should be awarded with Canada’s highest medal for bravery — the Cross of Valour.”
Garrett died after his throat was slit when he answered a fake robbery call on May 15, 2004.
Before succumbing to his wound, Garrett fired his gun and struck his assailant, Troy Davey, then 18, who was later convicted of first-degree murder.
An application to have Garrett honoured with the Cross of Valour was made after Davey’s trial — and past the two-year time limit. The late filing was to ensure the accused was given a fair trial.
The rule change now means applications can be submitted after two years if the delay is due to court proceedings, a quasi-judicial tribunal or corner’s review.
Garrett’s application will likely be heard in February.
0 responses so far ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
You must log in to post a comment.