Brampton park renamed in honour of slain police officer

A park in Brampton has been renamed in honour of a Toronto Police Services officer from Bramptoon who was killed in the line of duty in 2021.

A ceremony on Monday morning (April 25) saw Northampton Park in Brampton renamed in honour of Detective Constable Jeffrey Northrup who was killed on July 2 while responding to a robbery call.

Toronto Chief of Police James Ramer joined members of Northrup’s family including his wife Margaret, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and members of the community to honour Northrup.

The 55-year-old plain-clothes officer and father of three was struck and killed in the parking garage at Toronto city hall while responding to a report of a robbery in progress last year.

A 31-year veteran of the police force, Chief Ramer said Northrup was “noble, brave and compassionate” and inspired countless other officers during his tenure with the service.

“Having a beautiful park like this one bear his name creates a place where Jeff’s family, friends and colleagues can come together and remember everything that made him special,” Ramer said.

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An avid volunteer in the community, Northrup spent his time off the job helping out with the Bramalea Scouts, Brampton Minor Lacrosse and Brampton Special Olympics among other organisations.

“Even with Jeff working shift work through his career, any time off was spent volunteering his time mentoring and encouraging young people, forming lifelong relationships and very special friendships that had our family thrive at home and in our community,” Northrup’s wife Margaret said on Monday.

Charged in relation to the incident that killed Northrup is 31-year-old Umar Zameer who is facing a charge of first-degree murder.

The City of Brampton has commissioned a plaque commemorating the park to Northrup which will sit at the base of a large, mature tree in the park.

Margaret said the large, sturdy tree is a fitting tribute to her late husband.