In a poignant display of solemn respect and solidarity, a final procession was conducted Sunday for Const. Orrette Robinson, a valiant Sault Ste. Marie officer tragically killed in an off-duty motorcycle accident on September 5, while returning home from a strenuous overtime shift.
Unique representations from various local and regional law enforcement detachments, prominent dignitaries, and a host of other response personnel congregated for a modest, yet profound ceremonial funeral at St Luke’s Anglican Cathedral for the fallen officer on Saturday afternoon. Acting as honour guards, officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service stood by with steadfast loyalty.
The assembly served not merely as a public show of solidarity, but also a heartfelt gesture of support extended to the bereaved Robinson family and the Sault police forces, who are unequivocally grappling with this immense loss. Since the untimely demise of the 36-year-old officer, an inundation of tributes has flowed in from both local and provincial dignitaries, further buoyed by profound condolences from the public.
On a crisp Sunday morning at around 8:30 a.m., the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, duly accompanied by the local Ontario Provincial Police, rendered a poignant escort of Const. Robinson’s body to the city’s edge. This formed a part of a solemn procession from Wellington Street East, observed by community members who gathered along the route to pay their final tributes to the fallen custodian of the law. His body is now on its journey back to his native Jamaica, where he will be accorded a full funeral and burial.
Prior to setting foot in Canada, Const. Robinson had an illustrious tenure serving as an officer with the Jamaica Constabulary Force for nine years. Transferring his dedication to Sault Ste. Marie Police Service in 2020 as a special constable, his devotion to duty and exceptional performance saw him elevated to a full constable by August 2021. Stints at the Ontario Police College saw him graduate valedictorian of his class, a first in the ranks of the Sault police forces.
Sault police Chief Hugh Stevenson, in an initial statement on the incident, heartrendingly iterated, “Orrette served our community with pride and dedication. He loved interacting with youth while out on patrols….Our hearts and support go to his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be sorely missed.”
While the investigation into the catastrophic collision that claimed Robinson’s life is ongoing under OPP’s auspices, the Sault Ste. Marie police force extends their sincere gratitude to the populace of Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township. Their moving tributes, thoughtful words, and deep empathy have fostered a shared healing during these trying times.
