COLLEAGUES DESCRIBE SLAIN OFFICER AS 'GO-GETTER'

Two 18-Year-Olds Face Murder, Drug Charges

WINDSOR - A police officer shot to death while disrupting an alleged
drug deal was a "go-getter" who was comfortable working alone in a
plainclothes role, Windsor police said yesterday.

Two teenagers have been charged in the Friday slaying of Const. John
Atkinson, the first-ever killing of a member of the Windsor police force.

Nikkolas Brennan and Cody Defausses, both 18, appeared in court
yesterday on charges of first-degree murder and were remanded, Deputy
police Chief Roger Mortimore said yesterday.

The 37-year-old officer was shot as he approached two men involved in
a drug transaction in a parking lot outside a convenience store, police said.

"Const. Atkinson often worked alone," said Insp. Greg Renaud, who is
heading the investigation.

Const. Atkinson was struck by a bullet but was able to return fire
before the suspects fled on foot.

Officers came in on their own to assist in the search, which led to
the arrest of the suspects within 32 minutes of the shooting, Deputy
Chief Mortimore said.

The two are facing charges of first-degree murder because Const.
Atkinson was working when he was shot, Insp. Renaud said.

The suspects were also charged with drug trafficking after crack
cocaine was found, Deputy Chief Mortimore said. In addition, Mr.
Brennan faces a weapons charge.

Windsor police Chief Glenn Stannard will join Ontario Premier Dalton
McGuinty and Lt.-Gov. James Bartelman at a Toronto ceremony today to
honour police officers who have died in the line of duty.

"He was a go-getter," said Insp. Renaud, who worked closely with the
14-year decorated veteran of the force.

The suspects' court appearance came on the same day as the seventh
birthday of Const. Atkinson's daughter, Nicole, Deputy Chief Mortimore said.

Area residents set up a makeshift memorial yesterday with flowers,
teddy bears and a stuffed Alsatian with handcuffs near the darkened
spot on the sidewalk marking where Const. Atkinson died.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis says a memorial service will be held on
Tuesday at the city's riverfront.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.