Officer Jeremy Nicholas Henwood Captain (Major Select) USMC was born in Ottawa, Ontario Canada on September l4, 1974 to Dr. Robbie Wayne and Dr. Beverely Lou Henwood. He lived in Kanata, Ottawa, and in 1976 moved to Saskatoon. In 1978 the family moved to Texas while Jeremy's father pursued his career in drug research and earned his Ph.D. The family grew with the birth of his siblings Robbie Douglas and Emily Dawn. Jeremy's father eventually chose dental school in San Antonio instead of returning to Canada. The Henwood family remained in Texas and Jeremy grew up in San Antonio which he considered home. Jeremy attended Marshall High School in San Antonio and then at 15 years old entered the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, where he played football and basketball.

In 1995 after graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Jeremy completed basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and returned to San Antonio to attend the University of Texas where he received his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Criminal Justice. Jeremy became a United States Citizen so as to become an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. After college Jeremy pursued his Marine Corps career. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School, Jeremy was commissioned on December 15, 2000. He then attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. He proudly served his country which included three overseas deployments. His first, for 1 1/2 years with the 7th Engineer Support Battalion Camp Pendleton 1st Force Service Group, was to Iraq for Operation Enduring Freedom which evolved into Operation Iraqi Freedom. His 2nd deployment to Iraq followed shortly thereafter where he served for another year.

Jeremy left active duty, re-entered the reserves and joined the San Diego Police Department July 20, 2007. After graduating from the 73rd San Diego Regional Academy and completing phase training Jeremy was assigned to Mid City Division. Jeremy had a deep sense of honor; integrity and commitment to both his duties as a Police Officer and a Marine and proudly lived by the U.S. Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis - ''Always Faithful". In August 2010, Marine duty called again and Jeremy was deployed to Afghanistan with the Combat Logistics Regiment 2 as a Bravo Company Commander for Combat Logistics Battalion 2. He fulfilled his tour in Afghanistan and returned to the 4th Marine Logistics Group Forward West Camp Pendleton where he continued to serve active duty including service in Costa Rica, until the conclusion of his orders. Jeremy returned to San Diego and his police department career in February 2011.

On August 6, 2011, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Jeremy was on patrol in the area around 45th Street and University Avenue when a car flashing its lights approached him from behind. When Jeremy pulled to the curb to assist, the driver produced a shotgun and shot him without warning. The suspect had been involved in another unprovoked shooting in the neighboring City of El Cajon less than a half an hour prior. An "all units" broadcast of that shooting was being given to SDPD but the suspect shot Jeremy before he could be made aware of the earlier incident, vehicle or suspect description.

A witness and good Samaritan stopped to render aid, using the police radio to call for help. Jeremy was rushed to Mercy Hospital where he died shortly after 1 a.m., August 7, 2011. Even in death, Jeremy proved his commitment to help others through his choice of being an organ donor. Jeremy is lovingly remembered by his family, friends, coworkers and Marine comrades as larger than life, “a 6’ 3” Boy Scout”, a humanitarian and a man of honor who loved outdoor activities and spending time with his friends and family.

A final note...

I am touched by the kindness of Jeremy but am not surprised because I know that Canadians are the nicest people. I have a strong connection to Canada as I have Canadian relatives and when I was living in the East Coast my mother, brother and I spent many summers in Ontario visiting our Canadian family members.

Kindness lives in the heart of Canadians.

One time heading into a Canadian shopping mall, my brother, cousin, and I were walking behind a young teen who was way ahead of us. As she opened the door to enter the mall she just stood there -- holding the door open and waiting for us so we could enter the mall. I will never forget this stranger's act of kindness. That is how Canadians are. And even though I never met Jeremy Henwood, I know that this is exactly the type of person he is.

To work hard — it's the message Jeremy shared with Daveon that he'll never forget.

For over two years, this same determination has driven Mid-City CAN's Youth Council in their efforts to revitalize Henwood Park.

When their request for funding was rejected, they refused to take no for an answer, meeting with councilmembers and the mayor's office to advocate for the park. The youth also spoke at budget hearings and participated in numerous meetings with organizations, along with extensive prep work with the staff at Mid-City CAN.

Youth Council's advocacy is why the park has received $1.75 million from the City of San Diego's budget. Their work continues as more funding is needed to upgrade the rest of the park.

Jeremy's final act was being kind to a 13 year old youth named Daveon.

Today, it is apropos that youth are leading the revitalization efforts of the park named after him.

Once the revitalization is completed, Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park will be a special space that the City Heights community will take pride in and enjoy.

-- Ron Sanchez, Mid-City CAN Media Specialist