Thousands came together in Cobourg today to say an emotional final farewell to fallen Northumberland OPP Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, who is being remembered as an “everyday hero.”
And he will not be forgotten – this was clear by the extensive list of loved ones, cherished colleagues, first-responders and dignitaries in attendance to honour his life during a police funeral service held at the Cobourg Community Centre Wednesday, May 6.
While touching on the devastation of his sudden loss, one by one, several people stepped up to the podium to also honour his dedication to duty and public service.
Brother and Const. Jared Malcolm with York Regional Police was among those who courageously spoke of the impact his brother had not just within his family and the policing community, but to all those who knew him.
“He lived with purpose. He showed up for people, and he never backed down from who he was …” shared Jared, at one point, who said also his brother simply had an “unwavering love for others.”
As people packed the CCC, he encouraged attendees to simply look around to see just how loved Malcolm was. Known as “Mr. Above and Beyond,” he was a friend to so many – “and the kind of friend (who) showed up and had your back (and) who you could count on without question.
“The kind of person you felt safe with.”
Jared was also among the many who talked about how Malcolm’s choice to pursue a life of service wasn’t a career decision but rather a calling. He was immensely proud to serve as a member of the Golden Helmets’ precision motorcycle team and wore his police uniform with pride, believed deeply in justice and served as a beacon of hope in the community, attendees heard.
Like so many others, Jared shared he longed for more time with his brother, who was only 33-years-old when he died in a crash last Monday, April 27 on Hwy. 401 in Cobourg.
To honour him, Jared said those who knew him will not just remember him but live in a way that reflects the best parts of him and his spirit of dedication.
“You’ll always be in our hearts, Brandon, and your legacy will shine brightly. Thank you for the life you lived, the love you shared, and the countless ways you have inspired us all. Rest easy, brother, we’ve got your watch from here.”
Spouse Vashti Persaud also shared heart-wrenching words of reflection Wednesday and let people learn more about the man behind the uniform.
“Today, I stand here to honour my husband, the man I loved for 10 years. The man who gave his life to serving others …”
Persaud described Malcolm as her home, her strength, greatest blessing, and best friend.
“He loved deeply, fully and without hesitation, and I felt that every single day.”
She, too, shared how he had another calling and one he believed in with all his heart.
“Being a police officer wasn’t just a job for him, it’s who he was. He believed in protecting people (and) doing what was right, even when it was hard. He carried that responsibility with pride, with courage and with a quiet strength that I admired more than I can put into words.”
This calling came with sacrifices, attendees heard – from long nights and missed moments and the constant worry of loving someone who runs toward danger while everyone else runs away.
Chief-Superintendent Karl Thomas served as director of ceremonies Wednesday and was also Malcolm’s regional commander.
He spoke of how commanders carry a constant fear of losing one of their members as calls come in daily. He talked about the accolades Malcolm often received and how his home office was filled with them – and yet, Malcolm was still described as an incredibly humble gentle giant.
In a heartfelt message to his loved ones and colleagues, Thomas said the impact of Malcolm’s life reached far beyond the calls for service he answered, and he will be remembered for it.
“We stand with you in sharing your grief and the loss we all feel is immeasurable …” he said, while vowing continued support for colleagues and Malcolm’s family.
Premier Doug Ford was also in Cobourg Wednesday for the service.
“Our hearts break for you,” Ford told Malcolm’s family. “We’ll always be there for you.”
Ford also touched on Malcolm’s extensive service beyond six years with Northumberland OPP and his time with the Canadian Armed Forces and Toronto Police auxiliary, noting few people in this country can say they’ve served at this level. His life in dedication of public service is one all should aspire to, he added.
“Brandon was a big man, but his heart was even larger – and I know Sgt. Malcolm represented the very best of Ontario,” shared Ford, at another point in the ceremony, adding his bravery, compassion and commitment to leaving his community better than he found it was remarkable.
“Everyone here today has a responsibility to celebrate Sgt. Malcolm’s life (and) honour the standard of excellence he set and to never, ever forget his sacrifice … He will be remembered forever as the hero he was, setting an example for all of us to follow.”
Ontario Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont also spoke at the service, echoing sentiments around Malcolm’s deep commitment to serving the people of Ontario and Canada through his many roles, and how he will continue to be remembered as a “Hero in Life and not death.”
Dumont described a man fiercely dedicated to his colleagues and “a larger-than-life figure – who would also do anything for anybody.”
He was also someone who made time to help organizations like the War Amps, attendees heard – and his giving nature inspired others to give.
She said he “loved interacting with the public and people loved him back.”
“May all of us here today and those who are watching across the province be inspired by the pride he took in helping others, and may we remember him always.”
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique was in Cobourg again and also touched on Malcolm’s service in general law enforcement, as a crime detective, sergeant and member of the Golden Helmets team.
He also shared how he was beyond thankful for the outpouring of support that has followed in the wake of Malcolm’s death and how grateful his loved ones and the policing family is following emotional processions leading up to Wednesday’s funeral.
He echoed comments that have widely been made since Malcolm’s tragic death on how he was a loved and respected member of OPP.
Being a motor officer is an earned privilege given to the select few, he noted, explaining Malcolm was considered a special breed who possessed a fierce determination, courage and relentless commitment to professionalism, along with a passion for community, as one of the most visible forms of policing as a Golden Helmet team member.
Carrique described a “rapidly rising young leader” whose experiences and contributions far exceeded his years of service.
He talked about Malcolm’s iconic signature smile and how he inspired his team and fellow officers because he put people first and could always be counted on when needed most or even for the smallest tasks, which showed how much he truly cared. He also wonders about the kids he may have inspired to someday follow in his footsteps in policing.
“Whatever he did, he was all in, giving it his all.”
“Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, we are forever yours and you, forever ours …” said Carrique.
Colleagues and constables Justin Bertin-Nelson and Morgan Murphy, alongside Graiden Maynard, were among others who paid tribute to their friend.
They talked about how the job can show police the worst of the worst at times but Malcolm’s smile and laugh helped them navigate those times and bonded them for life. He was described as a best friend and an incredible human being – someone they also looked up to as a mentor and a calm in a storm.
Attendees heard how even in the toughest of situations, Malcolm would help dig his colleagues out and how he was deeply loyal and loved his traffic post in Brighton.
And while the service was heart-wrenching, there were a few more light-hearted memories shared, including the chasing of a goat along the highway at one point in Malcolm’s career.
It’s also been said that Malcolm had a wicked sense of humour.
Const. Richard Pauls spoke on behalf of Malcolm’s parents.
He also spoke of how Malcolm was always guided with integrity and quiet determination.
Prior to today’s service, residents also lined overpasses along the Highway of Heroes as the funeral cortege made its way from Oshawa to Cobourg and then local streets leading up to and after the funeral.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
