Statements: Death of Toronto police officer

TORONTO, Ont. – A 35-year-old Toronto police officer died after being hit by a stolen snowplow, Wednesday. Sgt. Ryan Russell, married with one small child, was a 11-year veteran of the police force.

Below are some statements by provincial and city officials:

Mayor Rob Ford

“On behalf of all members of City Council and every resident of Toronto, I want to extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Sergeant Ryan Russell and his colleagues in 52 Division and throughout the Toronto Police Service.

“Sergeant Russell, an 11-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service, died this morning while on duty, acting to protect the people of Toronto. His bravery and service to the City of Toronto will not be forgotten.

“Toronto has the best police service in the world. Sergeant Russell is a shining example of the men and women of our police service who put their lives on the line to protect us each day.  They, along with our fire and emergency medical workers do their jobs selflessly every day and earn the respect and appreciation of us all.”

The City of Toronto will honour Sergeant Russell by lowering the flags at Toronto City Hall and all Civic Centres to half mast.

Toronto Police Services Board:

“The Toronto Police Services Board would like to express its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Ryan Russell, who was killed this morning in the line of duty.

This tragic incident serves as a powerful reminder of the danger that the members of our Service face every day, in the course of the outstanding work they do to serve and protect Torontonians. Sgt. Russell has made the supreme sacrifice. He is to be commended for his remarkable bravery and his great contribution to the Toronto Police Service and to our city.

Our thoughts are very much with the family of Sgt. Russell during this extremely difficult time. We urge everyone to respect the family’s request for privacy so that they may be able to grieve this tremendous loss. We know, too, that the men and women of the Service have lost a valued colleague today and we join them in mourning the loss of Sgt. Russell.”

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty

“On behalf of all Ontarians, I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Toronto Police Sergeant Ryan Russell who died this morning in the line of duty. All Ontarians are shocked by this tragedy, and we stand united in supporting Sergeant Russell’s family, including his wife and young child.”

“Sergeant Russell’s death is a grim reminder that we should never take the dangers of policing for granted. Those who serve never know when they may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. Coming from a police family, Sergeant Russell knew the risks involved when he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father.”

“Let us always be grateful for the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who uphold the law and keep us safe.”

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath

“On behalf of all New Democrats, I want to extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of Sgt. Ryan Russell of the Toronto Police Service. Sgt. Russell courageously gave up his life in the line of duty as he worked valiantly to protect his fellow citizens. He spent more than a decade making a valuable contribution to keeping Toronto’s streets safe. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.”