Fire chief paid tribute to police

The following letter was read aloud at Aug. 29 meeting of the York Regional Police Services board by Chair Danny Wheeler. It was addressed to Chief Armand LaBarge from King Township Fire Chief Bryan Burbidge, dated Aug. 9, the day after the funeral of Constable Robert Plunkett.

Now that the proceedings from yesterday are a not too distant memory, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the immense pride for the York Regional Police Service I felt as I attended and witnessed the event.

Speaking on behalf of those that attended from the Township of King Fire and Emergency Services, you and your staff should be commended for the amazing orchestration of the day and the beautiful send off that was given to one of your heroes, Detective Constable Robert Plunkett.

We, police and fire, respond as different agencies with a common goal every day, and it takes a death to even further realize that our men and women who work in the emergency services are cut from the same cloth. Seeing the uniform presence yesterday caused an overwhelming feeling of pride as we come together to recognize the ultimate sacrifice paid by emergency services far too often. Your motto was exemplified yesterday in that "Deeds Speak," and the deeds spoke volumes yesterday with the rallying support of all your heroes, those that attended and those required to be on duty providing the protection we enjoy always.

As a resident of York Region myself, I will thank you for all the "Deeds" that your staff do continuously, day in and day out, and the protection my family and I value so much.

Your staff deserves a world of thanks.

Bryan Burbidge