Memorial Breaks Silence Surrounding Suicide

Because of their devotion to duty, police officers often see things and have experiences that deeply impact them.

“Trauma can be accumulated over time, or it can be defined by a single tragic incident,” said Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw at the second annual Ontario Police Suicide Memorial at Queen’s Park on June 22. "No matter the cause, it takes a toll.”

He joined hundreds of police members at Queen's Park walking in a column to the memorial site in a silent tribute to those who died.

The Chief said that people are an organization’s most important asset.

“Whether it is investing in wellness and mental health, incentivising peer support or promoting programs for career growth and development, we need to do everything we can to make sure our members have what they need to succeed,” Demkiw said.

“And no matter ranks or stripes, we can all be agents of change. Taking the time to listen to a colleague who has had a tough day, being attuned to what is not said, helping to create an environment where it is okay and not to be okay and other acts of kindness and respect for one another may seem small in the moment, but they can create a ripple effect. Every contact matters. Today, we honour police officers who died because of the line of duty. Our thoughts continue to be with their family members and loved ones.”

Canada Beyond the Blue, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting families of law enforcement officers, created the Ontario Police Suicide memorial and annual memorial event.

In 2016, Dilnaz Garda lost her brother, Constable Darius Garda, who did not get mental health support soon enough after being involved in the fatal shooting of a man.

Since then, she has advocated for and provided mental health services for police members and their families through her charitable organization Canada Beyond the Blue.

Garda thanked the province of Ontario and the police service members for supporting family members.

Canada Beyond the Blue has created the SOLACE (Support Outreach Love Assistance Connection Empowerment) family network to support those who have lost loved ones.

“These losses matter, these lives matter and the family members left behind deserve more than silence – they deserve connection, compassion and community, said Garda, of the families that gathered over the weekend support each other in their grief. “We remember, we honour, we speak their name.”

Premier Doug Ford and Solicitor General Michael Kerzner both spoke in support of the memorial, where a physical monument is planned.

Demkiw thanked Garda and Kristal Jones of Canada Beyond the Blue and other organizations and individuals that have worked tirelessly to support officers and their families.

“You help bring us together, you provide support during some of the most challenging circumstances and you continue to raise awareness and drive the necessary changes we need to make in policing,” he said. “Raising awareness, breaking the silence, reducing stigma and making our mental health a safe topic to discuss openly are all things we must continue to do within our organizations. Change will only be sustainable, meaningful and lasting if all of us continue to step up.”

Police Association of Ontario President Mark Baxter said the memorial is a testament to the bonds within the law enforcement community, highlighting the collective commitment to supporting each other through the challenges members face in their profession and the grief they carry in their hearts.

“It reinforces the importance of recognizing mental health and the need for open dialogue surrounding this critical issue,” he added. “In honouring our fallen heroes, we not only remember their bravery, but also commit ourselves to a community where every member feels valued, supported and heard. Together, we can break the silence surrounding mental health and ensure that no one walks their journey alone."

Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell urged people to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health treatment.

“Do not mistake our bowed heads for shame. It is a sign of respect. Respect our colleagues may not have felt in life, but respect they are owed,” Campbell said. "Let us all lift our heads and stand together in pride. Pride that we have come this far. Pride in knowing there is a journey still ahead. A journey we will travel together until no one suffers alone.”