Toronto police ID officer who died on duty from medical episode

A veteran Toronto police officer experienced a medical episode and died Thursday after being involved in executing a search warrant, the force says.

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said Det. John Park, a member of the hold-up squad and a 14-year veteran of the force, was a “wonderful and loving father” who was “appreciated by everyone who knew him.”

Park is survived by his wife and two young children, ages nine and five, Pogue said.

“Losing a friend and colleague in the line of duty always has a profound impact on our service, on our city, on our members, in our policing community,” an emotional Pogue told reporters outside Humber River Hospital in North York Thursday afternoon.

“The strength, character and resilience of our members and the entire policing family will be needed.”

Multiple police sources told Global News on Thursday morning that Park was found in the parking lot of 31 Division on Norfinch Drive near Jane Street and Finch Avenue West. He was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Park was helping officers execute a search warrant in the early morning hours near Jane Street and Steeles Avenue West, Pogue said, adding that the operation was part of an ongoing robbery investigation.

It was during the operation, Pogue said, that he experienced a medical episode. The investigation into his death is ongoing.

“Right now, our focus is to do everything we can to support John’s family, his loved ones and his colleagues here at the Toronto Police Service,” Pogue said.

Both Toronto police and the Toronto Police Association (TPA), which represents almost 8,000 uniform and civilian members of the Toronto Police Service, confirmed the news of Park’s death shortly after sources spoke to Global News.

“During the operation, one of our officers experienced a medical episode. Despite efforts to assist, it is with great sadness that we confirm the officer has passed away,” the TPA said in the notice.

“We are aware of speculation regarding the circumstances of this tragic loss. The information we have at this time indicates that the cause of death is believed to be medical, but further investigation is ongoing.”

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Pogue said so far, they “have nothing to believe that it is related to narcotics exposure.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his condolences in a post on X.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear that a Toronto police officer died while on duty earlier today. My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the officer, as well as all members of the @TorontoPolice,” he wrote.

“It’s a sober reminder of the need to always stand with our women and men in uniform, who work tirelessly everyday to keep our communities safe.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she was “heartbroken” to learn of the death.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time,” Chow said in a statement.

“We deeply appreciate the work of our officers and the work they do every day for our city. “

–with files from Tracy Tong and Catherine McDonald