A veteran Toronto police officer skilled a medical episode and died Thursday after being concerned in executing a search warrant, the pressure says.
Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue stated Det. John Park, a member of the hold-up squad and a 14-year veteran of the pressure, was a “wonderful and loving father” who was “appreciated by everyone who knew him.”
Park is survived by his spouse and two younger kids, ages 9 and 5, Pogue stated.
“Losing a friend and colleague in the line of duty always has a profound impact on our service, on our city, on our members, in our policing community,” an emotional Pogue instructed reporters exterior Humber River Hospital in North York Thursday afternoon.
“The strength, character and resilience of our members and the entire policing family will be needed.”
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A number of police sources instructed Ontario Chronicle on Thursday morning that Park was discovered within the parking zone of 31 Division on Norfinch Drive close to Jane Road and Finch Avenue West. He was rushed to hospital, the place he was pronounced deceased.
Park was serving to officers execute a search warrant within the early morning hours close to Jane Road and Steeles Avenue West, Pogue stated, including that the operation was a part of an ongoing theft investigation.
An house constructing on Steeles Avenue West, close to Jane Road, is pictured on Dec. 19, 2024. A Toronto police officer has died after being concerned in executing a search warrant Thursday morning, a number of police sources say.
Sean O’Shea/ Ontario Chronicle
It was through the operation, Pogue stated, that he skilled a medical episode. The investigation into his demise is ongoing.
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“Right now, our focus is to do everything we can to support John’s family, his loved ones and his colleagues here at the Toronto Police Service,” Pogue stated.
Each Toronto police and the Toronto Police Affiliation (TPA), which represents nearly 8,000 uniform and civilian members of the Toronto Police Service, confirmed the information of Park’s demise shortly after sources spoke to Ontario Chronicle.
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“During the operation, one of our officers experienced a medical episode. Despite efforts to assist, it is with great sadness that we confirm the officer has passed away,” the TPA stated within the discover.
“We are aware of speculation regarding the circumstances of this tragic loss. The information we have at this time indicates that the cause of death is believed to be medical, but further investigation is ongoing.”
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Pogue stated to this point, they “have nothing to believe that it is related to narcotics exposure.”
Toronto Police 31 Division, situated at 40 Norfinch Dr., is proven on Dec. 19, 2024. A number of police sources instructed Ontario Chronicle an officer, who was present in a parking zone on the station Thursday, has died.
Sean O’Shea/ Ontario Chronicle
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his condolences in a submit on X.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear that a Toronto police officer died while on duty earlier today. My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the officer, as well as all members of the @TorontoPolice,” he wrote.
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“It’s a sober reminder of the need to always stand with our women and men in uniform, who work tirelessly everyday to keep our communities safe.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow stated she was “heartbroken” to be taught of the demise.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time,” Chow stated in an announcement.
“We deeply admire the work of our officers and the work they do each day for our metropolis. “
–with recordsdata from Tracy Tong and Catherine McDonald
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