Hundreds join memorial run in honour of slain OPP Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala
CBC
More than 600 people gathered at the Barrie waterfront on Saturday for the inaugural Greg Pierzchala memorial run in honour of Const. Grzegorz Pierzchala, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer killed in the line of duty on Dec. 27.
The five-kilometre memorial run — organized by Pierzchala's family and the OPP — was preceded by an opening ceremony, which was attended by the slain officer's mother and father and other members of his family.
Pierzchala's sister, Justyna, said the support the family has received from people all over Ontario "really means a lot to us."
She said her brother loved his job and everything that came along with it.
"Not only did he love the physical aspect of it, having to stay in shape, running — which is part of the reason why we decided to do a run today — he loved to serve the community, provide service over self," Justyna said.
"He died providing service over self. He died an honourable man, so that's why today is important that we come together as a community for him, sharing stories … although he may not physically be here anymore, today shows that his memory will live on and he will continue to inspire others just like he would have wanted to."
Pierzchala, a Haldimand County OPP officer, was shot just after 2:30 p.m. ET while responding to a vehicle in a ditch just west of Hagersville, about 45 kilometres southwest of Hamilton, according to OPP.
Pierzchala was killed the same day he learned he had passed his 10-month probation period.
Two people — Randall McKenzie, 25, and Brandi Stewart-Speary, 30 — have been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Pierzchala.
OPP Sgt. Robert Simpson thanked the community of Barrie — Pierzchala's hometown — and "the friends and colleagues" who turned out to take part in the event.
"It's fantastic to see. It's very moving," he said.
"An event like this is a great opportunity for the community to show support to Greg's family, and I can tell you it's much appreciated, it's incredibly valuable and it helps kind of move through the process if you will."
Dave Nicoletti — physical education teacher at St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Barrie, which Pierzchala attended — said he and Pierzchala developed a close relationship at the school.
He said Pierzchala "started to show a lot of his athletic affinity" in Grade 9, and this continued in the Grade 11 and Grade 12 personal fitness classes.