Zivcic Memory Brings People Together

22 Division

Standing amongst dozens of police officers in the bitter cold along Bloor St. W., Tom Zivcic thanked them for remembering his brother John and his family, and encouraged them to be safe.

“Honestly, being remembered, it means a lot to our family. But at the end of the day, I wish for no one to go through this. I try to remind everyone to be aware of your surroundings and be safe,” Tom said, at the January 23 unveiling of a plaque under a lilac tree commemorating the life of Constable John Zivcic.

The six-year veteran died in 2013 after a collision in that same place at Bloor St. and Neilson Dr. while responding to an emergency call.

Cement post and plaque
The memorial plaque honours Zivcic Photo: Kevin Masterman

Tom said the ceremony brought together many of John’s fellow officers and friends who continue to keep in touch, including members of 22 Division, Hamilton Chief Frank Bergen and Police Dog Services Constable Lydia Cesar. His wife Mira, sister Angie, and her daughter Lila all helped to unveil the plaque.

“John loved his team and how they would watch out for one another,” said Tom, noting his brother had the goal to join the Emergency Task Force as a tactical officer. “We’re grateful to Lydia and everyone else involved, it’s a selfless effort that they’ve put in, we understand the extra time and effort it takes in people’s already busy lives, and it means a lot to our family.”

Cesar also named her police dog, Zee, in memory of the friend made before a career in policing. Just this week the Belgian Malinois penned in a man who tried to flee a search warrant being executed by Emergency Task Force officers with nothing but her bark to leading to an arrest.

Dog near plaque and tree
Zee, a general purpose dog, at the memorial site, is named after Constable John Zivcic Photo: Kevin Masterman

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said the tree and plaque serve as a reminder of what many police officers know well.

“I pass this place frequently and I think about John, his sacrifice, his courage and commitment to community, as many of you do,” she said. “This plaque ensures everyone who passes can reflect. And it offers us a place to gather to celebrate John and ensure he is never forgotten.”

City Councillor Stephen Holyday, who helped make the plaque a reality, joined in the ceremony where a police bagpiper played Amazing Grace, and Special Constable Steven Cooper sang Bring Him Home as Mounted Unit officers stood as an Honour Guard.

A bagpiper with people
A bagpiper plays Amazing Grace at the memorial Photo: Kevin Masterman

Hamilton Police Service Chief Frank Bergen, who was serving as the 22 Division unit commander at the time of the tragic collision, said the loss of Zivcic was one of the most impactful moments of his career as he gathered in a vigil with the Zivcic family at the hospital. He still carries his funeral card in his police forage cap.

“Never miss the opportunity to look someone in the eye to check on them. Never miss the opportunity if you’re having a brilliant day to share it with them,” Bergen said, noting the ceremony was an opportunity to share a moment with John’s family and friends to check up on each other. “I’m thinking about all the people I’ve known in policing over these years. Be well and be safe and never miss an opportunity to look out for your fellow officer.”

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