In Mississauga, an emotional gathering took place to honor Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali during his funeral on Thursday.
The Brampton local lost his life in the line of duty while working in northern Ontario last week.
His wife, father, and fellow officers came together to pay their respects and remember his sacrifice.
Bali’s wife, Kamal Sharma Bali, expressed her love for her husband, saying, “to me, Tarun was my best friend, my safe place, my greatest love, my home.”
WATCH MORE: Province mourns ‘hero’ OPP Const. Tarun Bali laid to rest
Alongside her husband’s siblings, Kamal reflected on the man she envisioned spending her life with.
“Many people knew him as a police officer, but I knew him as the man who carried the weight of this profession and still came home with kindness,” said Kamal.
Bali’s father, Ashok Bali, spoke on behalf of himself and Bali’s mother Neena to honor his son with heartfelt remarks.
“I don’t know where to start today,” said Ashok. “I am the proud father of OPP Const. Tarun Bali, my love.”
“As a father losing a son is a pain that’s impossible to put into words, but if there is one message I would like to leave with everyone today: respect this position; hold it in the highest regard.”
Growing up in Brampton, 29-year-old Bali had always dreamed of being a police officer – his father noted that he had a strong desire to serve his community.
WATCH MORE: ‘Everybody loved him’: mother of slain Toronto constable speaks out
Bali was part of the Dufferin OPP Detachment and was deployed with the James Bay Detachment when he passed away.
He tragically lost his life on June 9 in Hearst, a small community in northern Ontario when he was struck by a vehicle while trying to stop it.
Bali’s fellow officers remembered him with touching tributes during their addresses.
“Although you were viciously taken from us with malice and hate, you showed us all how to live with pride, courage, honour and above all else love and I will love you and miss you for the rest of my life,” said Dufferin OPP Detachment Sgt. Jay Moore. “A platoon and your entire police family; 10-7.”
Bali’s passing coincided with that of Toronto police officer Marc Pinizzotto just days earlier and comes six weeks after OPP Sgt. Brandon Malcolm’s death.
All three were killed while serving their communities.
: ‘Selfless, brave and full of love’: OPP officer killed in crash honoured at funeral
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