Toronto Police Officer Dies on Duty After Medical Emergency

A logo at the Toronto Police Service headquarters in Toronto in a file photo. The Canadian Press/Christopher Katsarov

A 14-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service suffered a medical emergency and died on Dec. 19 while investigating a robbery.

Det. John Park was executing a search warrant in the area of Jane Street and Steeles Avenue West when the early morning incident happened, according to a police news release. The search warrant was part of a robbery investigation in 31 Division, police said.

First responders were not able to save him, police said.

The 40-year-old officer was a member of the Toronto police hold-up squad. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, ages nine and five.

“This is heartbreaking news just a few days before Christmas, and there are no words that can express the sorrow we all feel right now,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said in a statement.

“This is every family’s worst fear when a loved one works as a police officer: not having them come home safely after their shift,” she said.

Park was described as a loving father who was appreciated by everyone who knew him in the service.

“Losing a friend and colleague in the line of duty always has a profound impact” on the service, the city, and the policing community, she said. “Right now our focus is to do everything we can to support John’s family and loved ones.”

Police announced the incident around 9:30 a.m. local time, in a post on the X platform, saying they were notifying the officer’s family before releasing any more information.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow sent her condolences to the family in a social media post.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the death of a police officer while on duty. I am in touch with Chief [Myron] Demkiw and I understand the circumstances are still being confirmed and investigated,” she said in a Dec. 19 post on the X platform.

Premier Doug Ford also took to social media to send his condolences.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear that a Toronto police officer died while on duty earlier today,” he said in a Dec. 19 post on the X platform.

“My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the officer, as well as all members of the Toronto Police Service.”

Ford said the officer’s death was a “sober reminder” to stand with those in uniform to keep communities safe.