'We just did this two years ago': OPP officer killed near Hagersville, Ont. brings up painful memories for community
Days after OPP Const. Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala was fatally shot near Hagersville, Ont., the brother of another fallen police officer with ties to the small community says he's angry and sad Hagersville has to go through another tragedy.
Pierzchala was killed Tuesday while responding to a report of a vehicle in a ditch. Two people have now been charged with first-degree murder in his death.
"I feel extreme sadness for the family, the community where I grew up, where Andrew grew up, having to go through this again," said Jason Harnett, whose brother, Sgt. Andrew Harnett was killed two years ago during a traffic stop in Calgary where he was working as a police officer.
"Here we are with the national spotlight on a small town in Ontario once again because of the same reason, two officers connected to that community."
On New Years Eve, 2020, the Harnett was dragged 437 metres down the street by a fleeing SUV and into the path of an oncoming car.
The 37-year-old Hagersville-native died an hour later in hospital.
In his hometown, where some of Harnett's family members still live, a park was recently named in his honour.
"It was such a tragic event out in Calgary, I mean 37 years old and having a baby on the way," Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley said. "It was heartbreaking for our community, absolutely. And now the devastation of Greg just brings back so many memories."
Two police officers with Hagersville, Ont. connections have been killed in the line of duty in the past two years; Const. Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala (left) and Sgt. Andrew Harnett (right).
RURAL COMMUNITY IN MOURNING
The fatal shooting of Pierzchala came just days before the second anniversary of Harnett's death.
Community leaders say the events have taken a heavy collective toll.
"This is a rural Ontario area and we’re not accustomed to these types of tragedies occurring in our communities," Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady said.
On Thursday, sisters Beverly Petheram and Brenda Gallant joined other Hagersville residents in tying blue ribbons to poles around town.
"We’re just saddened by what happened," Gallant said. "It’s just heartbreaking for all of us. And to think we just did this two years ago for Sgt. Andrew Harnett and we’re back doing it again, it’s just heartbreaking for everyone."
Dozens of flowers and notes make up a memorial to Const. Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala in the lobby of OPP detachment in Cayuga, Ont on Dec. 29, 2022. (Stephanie Villella/CTV Kitchener)
PLANS TO HONOUR FALLEN OFFICER
Harnett said in the days following his brother's death, the community of Hagersville lit up blue in honour of the fallen officer. The support from the community helped with the grieving process and he wants to see the same for Pierzchala's family, he said.
Bentley is encouraging people to put blue lights out on New Years Eve.
"[To] keep them in their memories and recognize Greg's family is suffering and Haldimand county is suffering," she said.
Meanwhile at the local OPP detachment a tribute of flowers filling the lobby continues to grow.
A procession to escort Pierzchala’s body from Toronto to Barrie will take place Friday. A police funeral will be held in Barrie on Wednesday, Jan. 4.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW AI helping to identify undiagnosed genetic disorders in children
Researchers have developed the world's first algorithm powered by artificial intelligence to identify children with undiagnosed rare genetic disorders.
Adding just 10% ultraprocessed foods to healthy diets may raise risk of cognitive decline, stroke
Eating more ultraprocessed foods is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and stroke, even if a person is trying to adhere to a Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet or the MIND diet, a new study found.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
Toronto awarded WNBA's first franchise outside U.S., with expansion team set to begin play in 2026
Toronto has been awarded the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026.
How does this end? With Hamas holding firm and fighting back in Gaza, Israel faces only bad options
Diminished but not deterred, Hamas is still putting up a fight after seven brutal months of war with Israel, regrouping in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza and resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
With 2M seniors signed up and 10K providers, Holland defends dental plan rollout
Canada's dental care plan is 'getting there' Health Minister Mark Holland said Wednesday defending the program's rollout that's now seen two million seniors sign up, but just 10,000 oral health providers enrolled to treat them.
Majority of Canadians plan to stay close to home on this year's summer vacation, survey finds
A new survey found a majority of Canadian respondents plan to stay within the country on their next trip amidst high costs of living.