'He really was one of those officers that I would call a friend'

Scott McFarlane still remembers fondly the day he introduced Aaron Northrup to his future wife Sandra. 

"I had known Aaron personally since University we've worked together before and we worked together professionally on the North Bay police service for quite some time. In fact, I introduced him and Sandra and they ended up getting married," recalls McFarlane. 

The North Bay Police Service Inspector was one of Northrup's many respected colleagues who were on hand at the North Bay Police Service Promotion and Awards Luncheon at the Grande Event Centre in North Bay on Thursday morning. 

Sadly, Staff Sargent Northrup passed away of a heart attack in April of 2022. Despite his passing, the North Bay Police Service leadership, led by retired Chief Scott Tod, felt compelled to recognize Northrup for his 20 years of service and hand over the award to his wife Sandra. A handful of current officers were also presented with awards on this day.  

"Aaron was a big part of North Bay police service," added McFarlane.  

"It's important for new members to come in and see what Aaron did for the service, because he was the president of our association for a number of years and worked hard to improve the working conditions in North Bay Police Service and fight for our members."

See related: Police association launches Aaron Northrup Memorial Bursary

Constable Merv Shantz was the event's master of ceremonies. 

Shantz worked with Northrup during all the years he served with the North Bay Police Service. 

"He gave his heart and soul to the organization and we all know he loved his family as well," noted Shantz.  

"But Aaron was a police officer through and through and he really supported the members. He was involved in the association and he really was one of those officers that I would call a friend."

While newly sworn-in Chief Daryl Longworth never met Northrup, he believes recognizing Aaron Northrup in this way is very important. 

"I think it's phenomenal that this organization and Chief Tod have taken the effort to recognize his service, even though he's passed," said Longworth.  

"As I mentioned earlier, family is very important to what we do. Family gives us the hope, and gives us a safe refuge to go home and escape this environment. In recognizing that, I look at this organization as a broader extension of the family.

"Much like we need to look after our members, we need to look after their families as well, as part of our bigger police family."