Mourning Loss of Detective John Park

Service members are mourning the loss of Detective John Park, who died after a medical episode while executing a search warrant.

“During this operation Detective John Park experienced a medical episode and despite the best efforts of our first responder partners John passed away. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and our colleagues during this profoundly difficult time,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said, of the 40-year-old officer, who is survived by his wife Tina, and children, aged 9 and 5. “This is heartbreaking news right before Christmas and there is no words to express the sorrow that we feel right now. Here at the hospital we’ve met with John’s family and they are understandably devastated by this tragic and sudden loss. This is every family’s worst fear when a loved one works as a police officer and does not come home safely after his shift.”

Detective Park, a 14-year veteran of policing, began his career in 22 Division and was serving with the Hold Up Squad. He had been working on a search warrant as part of a robbery investigation.

“Detective Park was a wonderful and loving father and was appreciated by everyone who knew him at the Toronto police service… he served our city with courage and a great sense of duty,” Pogue said. “Losing a friend and colleague has a profound impact on our Service, on our city and our policing community. The strength character and resilience of our members and the entire policing family will be needed. Right now our focus is to support John family his loved ones and his colleagues at the Toronto Police Service.”

Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell said Service members stand together today.

“It’s a devastating and sad situation,” Campbell said outside of Humber River Hospital. “We’re here to support his family and his colleagues during this terrible time.”

Chief Myron Demkiw joined an honour guard of hundreds of police officers and community members, including Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Mayor Olivia Chow, as Detective Park was escorted to the Office of the Chief Coronor builiding.