A funeral held for a fallen police officer on Tuesday was one of the largest ceremonies the city has ever seen.
Sgt. Ryan Russell, 35, was killed in the line of duty on January 12, leaving behind his wife Christine and their two-year-old son Nolan.
Mourners began to arrive around 8am for the ceremony and 12,000 police officers, firefighters, emergency workers, and members of the public had gathered by noon.
"That just shows the support the people in the city of Toronto and the citizens of Ontario have for police officers," said OPP Sgt. Dave Woodford.
"To show that kind of support to us makes you feel really good as a police officer and in the job that we do, trying to make everybody safe," Woodford added.
"The turnout is really quite remarkable," Toronto police chief Bill Blair said outside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
"It's a very sad day for us but it's also a very proud day for us," Blair continued.
"It's a day to connect with the people of the city who have been extraordinary in their outpouring of affection and support for members of our service," Blair said.
Ontario Lt.-Gov. David Onley, Vaughan MP Julian Fantino, Blair and Russell's widow Christine are among those who spoke at the service.
“I believe we have been affected because in life and death, Ryan represented the virtues we admire most as a city, as a province, as a nation,” said Onley.
MP and former Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino had the task of swearing Russell in as a police officer 11 years ago. As he said goodbye, he called Russell a “modern day hero” who knew what it meant to serve.
“Ryan has now reached the unreachable star. And the world is now a better place for having him walked amongst us,” said Fantino.
Toronto’s current Police Chief Bill Blair described the pride the Toronto Police Service felt at having a man like Ryan Russell on board.
“Sgt Ryan Russell was bright, talented hardworking. He was exactly the type of officer the Toronto Police Service aspires to have in its ranks…Ryan Russell was truly a hero...He was a good man and he was a good cop. He will be missed,” said Blair.
Certainly the afternoon’s most emotional speaker was Russell’s widow and mother to his young son Nolan, Christine Russell.
“Ryan always put others before himself. On January 12th, this cost him his life…Ryan, we are all so proud of you. You are an amazing husband, you’re the best dad,” Russell said.
Click here to view the funeral program (pdf)
Russell was struck down by stolen snow plow near Avenue and Davenport roads. He died in hospital.
Richard Kachkar, 44, was charged with first-degree murder and two charges of attempted murder. It’s not known what motivated his alleged rampage.
Police reportedly shot Kachkar three times during an altercation. The province’s Special Investigations Unit has been called in.
Kachkar was released from hospital on January 17 and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
A Facebook memorial page
has been set up and a book of condolences is also available for the
public to sign at Toronto police headquarters at 40 College St.
As well, a trust fund has been set up for the family with the following details:
Russell Family Trust Fund
CIBC Transit # 04392
Account #0018139
Bank #010