Toronto officer dies from injuries

Toronto Police Officer John Zivcic died Monday afternoon following a crash over the weekend.

Constable Zivcic, who was just 34-years old was from St. Catharines and many people there are paying tribute to his memory along with police forces across the province. Hamilton police say their thoughts and prayers are with Zivcic’s family, and Niagara Regional Police Chief Jeff McGuire is offering his condolences on behalf of NRPS members and thanked Zivcic for his service. Lauran Sabourin has more from St.Catharines.

John Zivcic grew up in south St. Catharines. He went to Denis Morris Secondary School. His grade nine teacher Frank Cappelletti remembers John as being quiet and reserved: “He was a great kid. The whole family. They were a big part of our community.”

Number 15 on the Denis Morris basketball team, John played along side his brother Tom. At 6′ 1″ he was a natural. The Zivcic family donated the trophy display in the school foyer. John graduated in 1997 to pursue his dream of being a police officer. Frank: The teachers that were involved with the Zivcic family. They’re all saddened. I can’t imagine what the family’s going through at this time.”

John’s mother, his brother Tom and sister Angela were at his side at 12:35 Monday afternoon when he was taken off life support. On Denis Morris Principal Glenn Gifford’s desk there was a photo of Mike Robillard, another Denis Morris graduate, a police officer in Ottawa who was killed two weeks before John.

The coincidences about the lives of both men are almost unbelievable. Both men grew up in St. Catharines and graduated from Denis Morris. Both had dreams of being a police officer. They were each killed in a car crash. One heading to work, the other while on duty.”

Robillard was well known at Denis Morris. He was the Quarterback on the school football team.

Principal Gifford: “It’s devastating for Denis Morris. For the community. Especially some of the older teachers that had the honour of teaching these two boys.”

Frank Cappeletti was one who taught both men: “Both these individuals were phenomenal human beings. Michael as well. He was just sunshine to the school every day. They’re both going to be sorely missed.”

You can see what an emotional day its been for teachers at Denis Morris. The Zivcic family has deep roots in the local Catholic community. In fact, John’s Uncle is Monsignor Vlad Zivcic from St. Julia’s Church in St. Catharines.