Chatham-Kent police are mourning the loss of one of their own after news that former Constable Mike Currie passed away unexpectedly while traveling overseas.
Currie was a longtime Chatham-Kent police officer and retired in September of 2016. He was also a very active member of the community and deeply involved with the Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Constable Jason Herder, who took over for Currie as the Torch Run lead in Chatham-Kent, told CK News Today said it's a huge loss because Currie was a giant and a trailblazer.
"He was one of the original people that really made what the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is today. He was one of the original founders who built it from the ground up and made it what it is today. That work speaks for itself. He's a Hall of Famer when it comes to his work with that," said Herder.
Herder noted he had such huge shoes to fill when he took over Torch Run duties from Currie and remembers Currie always being supportive, even after he retired.
"Not only with the Torch Run side of the house but just his involvement with the Special Olympics in Chatham-Kent. It's unbelievable the work he's done for his community. The man loved everyone and he was a true servant to his community," Herder added.
In 2012, Currie also won a national award for his 24 years of involvement with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR).
Torch Run Ontario posted a message on social media expressing their condolences to the Currie family.
"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of one of our original Torch Runners. Mike Currie was there from the start, a champion of inclusion and his endless work for the athletes of Special Olympics was an inspiration to all LETR members. Rest in peace Mike," read the post.
The circumstances surrounding his death are being kept private. Funeral arrangements are not available yet.
