Our Fallen Officers

Constable Garrett Styles was a seven-year member of York Regional Police, serving communities across northern York Region.

In the early morning hours of June 28, 2011, he conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle being driven dangerously. While speaking with the driver, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, dragging Constable Styles before losing control and crashing. Even after being critically injured, he called for assistance on his radio and expressed concern for those inside the vehicle.

He was transported to hospital, where tragically, he later died from his injuries.

Constable Styles is remembered for his professionalism, dedication to duty and care for others. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Detective Constable Robert Plunkett served more than 20 years with York Regional Police, working in uniform patrol and specialized units, including the Emergency Response Unit.

In the early morning hours of August 2, 2007, he was part of a plainclothes team conducting surveillance in Markham on suspected stolen vehicles. As he attempted to arrest a suspect, the driver suddenly fled, striking Detective Constable Plunkett with the vehicle.

He was transported to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Detective Constable Plunkett is remembered for his dedication to policing and his strong commitment to community service, including his work supporting Special Olympics initiatives.

Constable William Grant served with York Regional Police for four years and was just 26 years old at the time of his death.

Shortly after midnight on October 9, 1984, he attempted to stop a vehicle that was being driven erratically. The driver fled, leading to a pursuit. During the incident, the suspect turned and drove directly toward Constable Grant’s cruiser, causing a serious collision.

Constable Grant died from his injuries at the scene.

He is remembered as a dedicated officer and a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife and two children including his son, who was born two weeks after his tragic death.

Constable Douglas Tribbling, a former Markham Township officer, had served at York Regional Police since its inception and was nearing retirement at the time of his death.

On August 19, 1984, he responded to a break-in at a business in Markham. After discovering signs of forced entry, he began to investigate the premises and requested backup. When other officers arrived, Constable Tribbling had been shot.

He was transported to hospital in critical condition and died two days later without regaining consciousness.

Constable Tribbling is remembered as an experienced and respected officer whose service reflected dedication and professionalism.

Constable Gerald Mills served with Whitchurch Township Police for four years.

On May 29, 1968, he was attending the scene of a motor vehicle collision on Woodbine Avenue in conditions of poor visibility, suspecting a possible impaired driver. While assessing the situation, he was struck by a passing vehicle.

He was taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Constable Mills is remembered for his service to the community and his commitment to duty. He is survived by his wife and young daughter.

Constable Edward Holdsworth was 21 years old, engaged to be married and serving with Whitchurch Township Police at the time of his death.

In the early hours of May 15, 1966, he responded to a single-vehicle collision that had brought down high-voltage power lines. While approaching the scene, he came into contact with an energized wire concealed in the grass.

He died as a result of his injuries.

Constable Holdsworth is remembered for his service and for the risks officers face while responding to emergency situations.

Constable Lewis Durant had served with Markham Township Police for about 18 months and was 22 years old.

In the early morning hours of August 18, 1956, he stopped to investigate a parked vehicle along Woodbine Avenue. While speaking with the driver, he was struck by a passing vehicle.

Sadly, he died at the scene.

Constable Durant is remembered for his service and dedication early in his policing career.

Sergeant Thomas Kirk served with York County Police and was stationed in Newmarket. He was known as a respected member of the community.

On April 17, 1930, he was travelling with fellow officers along Yonge Street when their vehicle was involved in a serious collision. He was thrown from the vehicle and died from his injuries.

Sergeant Kirk’s death had a lasting impact, contributing to improvements in protections and benefits for police officers. He is remembered for his service and leadership.

Constable William Boyd had served with York County Police for 15 years.

On June 4, 1901, he was transporting prisoners when an accomplice threw a hat concealing weapons into the carriage. During the struggle that followed, Constable Boyd was shot.

He was taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Constable Boyd is remembered for his long service and dedication to duty, and for operating a general store and post office. He is survived by his wife and four children.

John Fisk served as High Constable of the Home District, which included present-day York Region and surrounding areas.

On October 7, 1804, he was transporting a prisoner by boat on Lake Ontario when the vessel encountered a sudden storm and san near Newcastle, Ontario. All on board were lost.

High Constable Fisk is remembered as one of the earliest officers in the region to die in the line of duty, reflecting the long history of policing service and sacrifice in York.  He also served in a Connecticut military battalion and supported independence for the American colonies, during the American Revolution.

He was survived by his wife and six children.