An Ontario Provincial Police constable who lost his life while on duty last week was celebrated for his commitment, positive spirit, and affection for his family and colleagues during a funeral in Mississauga.
Const. Tarun Bali from Brampton was described as “a positive force of energy,” who made a memorable entrance on his first day at the Dufferin OPP detachment wearing a bright baby blue suit, said Sgt. Jay Moore.
“You were never one to shy away from the spotlight, so it seems only fitting that you got the whole shebang,” he noted, adding that Bali formed a strong connection with his team.
“He didn’t just build friendships, he built a family.”
Thousands came together in Mississauga for Bali’s funeral after he was tragically struck by a vehicle last week in Hearst, northern Ontario, while police attempted to apprehend a man who had escaped from a hospital. An 18-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder in relation to the incident.
Komal Sharma Bali remembered her husband as “a light” that continues to shine through everyone he met.
“Tarun was my best friend, my safe place, my greatest love, my home,” she expressed. “He somehow made the heaviest days lighter.”
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Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty last week. His funeral procession and service is taking place on Thursday. (Ontario Provincial Police)
Hindu prayers and devotional music filled the air at the Mississauga Sports and Entertainment Centre during the 29-year-old’s funeral service.
The sounds of shuffling feet and quiet whispers followed as Bali’s casket was carried out of the centre. The uniform and Ontario flag resting on top of it were presented to his family.
Moore shared that over time he came to view Bali as an adopted son. Bali affectionately called him “Papa Moore” and his wife “Mama Moore,” he mentioned.
“Although you were viciously taken from us with malice and hate, you showed us all how to live pride, courage and, above all else, love,” said Moore.
Sharma Bali conveyed a heartfelt message to the Dufferin officers, expressing her deep love for them like family.
She encouraged officers in Hearst and James Bay to show kindness towards themselves since that’s what Bali would have wanted.
“You did everything that you could in that moment,” she reassured them. “Our very best efforts can’t change the outcome and that’s not your fault.”![]()
Police officers line up as rain falls before the start of the funeral service for OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali at the Mississauga Sports and Entertainment Centre in Mississauga, Ont., on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)
This Thursday morning saw hundreds of police officers marching beneath a Canadian flag raised above a road during the funeral procession. Rows of people stood under pouring rain saluting as motorcycles and black vehicles passed by.
“His family revealed that becoming an officer had been his dream since childhood.” A photo displayed at the funeral depicted young Bali saluting alongside him now dressed in uniform doing exactly that.
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Const. Tarun Bali is being remembered as a dedicated officer who took time to volunteer and keep his coworkers together.(Patrick Morrell/CBC)
“You did everything that you could in that moment,” she reassured them. “Our very best efforts can’t change the outcome and that’s not your fault.”
Bali Was Essential In Keeping Officers United: OPP
The camaraderie among shift officers was unparalleled, with Bali having “an endearing sense of duty,” stated OPP Chief Supt. Karl Thomas during the service. “Tarun was glue holding the group together through every challenge,” he remarked. Chief Supt. Jon Dumond noted that Bali served across 11 different detachments from Ottawa to James Bay while encouraging younger officers to follow suit.</P Bali consistently exceeded expectations through acts such as volunteering with Peel Region’s community services team,” Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont added.“His family revealed that becoming an officer had been his dream since childhood.” A photo displayed at the funeral depicted young Bali saluting alongside him now dressed in uniform doing exactly that.
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Premier Doug Ford assured Bai’s family they would remember him throughout Ontario for his sacrifice.
“We know he approached his work with professionalism compassion , and dedication,”he said.
Bali is among two officers killed on duty within this province this month. Const. Marc Pinizzotto, a Toronto police veteran , was shot dead last week during an operation linked investigations into several shootings including one involving U. S. consulate back March.
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