A Toronto officer died while on duty Thursday morning after experiencing a medical episode, the force says.
Early Thursday morning, Det. John Park was conducting a search warrant in the area of Jane Street and Steeles Avenue in North York when he had a medical episode, Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue told media in a news conference Thursday afternoon.
According to reports, he was found in his cruiser and transported to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones and our colleagues during this profoundly difficult time,” Pogue said outside of Humber River Hospital.
“This is heartbreaking news just before Christmas. And there’s no words to express the sorrow that we feel right now,” she tearfully added.
Officer On Duty Death
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) December 19, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of one of our officers while on duty this morning.
We are in the process of notifying the officer's family and will share further updates in the coming hours.
Preliminary information suggests the…
Park was a husband and father of two young children, and a 14-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service.
“Det. Park was a wonderful and loving father, and he was appreciated by everyone who knew him at the Toronto Police Service,” Pogue said to reporters.
Pogue also emphasized that there is nothing to suggest that Park died of anything other than a medical episode.
On Thursday afternoon, Toronto police held a procession to accompany the officer’s body from the hospital to the Ontario Forensic Pathology office.
Toronto Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue delivered the news. Detective John Park died on duty Thursday. #Toronto https://t.co/mWQi0IzyZd pic.twitter.com/bX9qUqxICS
— 𝚂𝚎á𝚗 𝙾’𝚂𝚑𝚎𝚊 Global News (@ConsumerSOS) December 19, 2024
Mayor Chow says she’s “heartbroken” to learn about the officer’s death.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time. We deeply appreciate the work of our officers and the work they do every day for our city,” she tweeted.
I am heartbroken to learn of the death of a police officer while on duty. I am in touch with Chief Demkiw and I understand the circumstances are still being confirmed and investigated. The Chief advised me that the Toronto Police Service will be officially announcing the details… https://t.co/2F7tbVRBKW
— Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) December 19, 2024
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
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.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) December 19, 2024
It’s a sober reminder of the need to always stand with our women and men… https://t.co/PaUv9IvUlC
“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,” he tweeted.
