Just 10 months after retiring from 40 years with the North Bay Police Service, Sgt. David Byrnes passed away in December 2012.
Now, in his honour, a group of officers are set to inaugurate the David Byrnes Memorial Softball Tournament this weekend.
“He retired, which are supposed to be the best years of your life, and ten months later he passed away, so in his memory we went to his wife and asked if we could have a softball tournament in his name,” said Const. Mark McLeod.
“They were absolutely excited.”
McLeod said the support for the co-ed charity tournament has been overwhelming, with a total of ten teams registering, four of which are from the police service alone. McLeod said the tournament has brought everyone involved closer together, and the games haven’t even started.
A dedication ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, the second day of the tournament, at Kelly and Handley Fields next to Pete Palangio Arena. McLeod said the Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band, the North Bay Police Colour Party, and Byrnes’ family will all be in attendance.
Byrnes joined the service in 1972 as a Constable where he gained experience in the undercover, identification and criminal investigations departments, among others. Byrnes passed away at the age of 61.
“We wanted to do something in his memory; he’s been such a big part of the police service over so many years,” said McLeod, who organized the event with Const. Steve Taylor, Const. Erin Honeysett and Const. Erin Pemberton. “It’s just a way to thank him and keep his memory going here in the service.
“Somebody like that had such an impact on everybody here.”
The North Bay Police Service and Police Association donated some money for the tournament, which covers the cost of the field and hiring of umpires.
Beyond that, all of the proceeds from registration fees and the rest of the tournament will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association in honour of another fallen officer.
“The day that we started the tournament was also the same day we were notified that Andrew Keating had taken his own life,” explained McLeod, “so we want to make a donation to Canadian Mental Health in Andrew Keating’s name.”
Const. Keating was 29-years-old when he passed away in May of this year after serving with the North Bay Police Service for four years.
The first game of the tournament is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon with games being played throughout the rest of the day and Saturday. McLeod said everything should be wrapped up by 5 p.m. on the Saturday evening.
McLeod also credited John Lechlitner of Cecil’s Eatery and Beer Society for stepping up and sponsoring the tournament and hosting a social event at the restaurant on Friday night.
“We’re looking forward to it,” said McLeod. “It’s a very positive thing”
