Given how dangerous their work can be, it’s notable that only three Guelph Police officers have been killed in the line of duty in the history of the local police force – Const. Walter Eric MacAulay in 1964, Const.  William Holloway in 1922 and now Const. Jennifer Kovach. Being a rare occurrence makes it no less tragic when it does happen, though.
Messages of condolence to Const. Kovach’s family and the Guelph Police Service have been pouring in, to which the Guelph Tribune adds its own condolences. Her death, while carrying out her duty, is sad on so many levels to so many people.
Ontario’s three main party leaders all marked the loss.
“It’s a tragic reminder that our men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line for us every day. And that sometimes, they never come home,” Progressive Conservative party leader Tim Hudak said a statement. “On behalf of the Ontario PC caucus, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jennifer’s family and friends, and especially her mom, Gloria, a Guelph city councillor who ran for the federal Conservative Party.”
“Ontario owes a debt of gratitude to Const. Kovach and all of our police officers, who do so much to serve and protect the people of this province,” said Premier Kathleen Wynne.
“Whenever any community loses a police officer, it is a loss to the whole province,” said a statement from NDP leader Andrea Horwath. “It is especially tragic to lose such a dedicated young officer in the line of duty  . . . Const. Jennifer Kovach’s commitment and sense of duty to her job and community will never be forgotten.”
Mayor Karen Farbridge said: “As a community, it is important for us to pause to remember and celebrate the life of Constable Jennifer Kovach.”
The Guelph community will get that chance at a public funeral for the fallen officer this Thursday.