Disciplinary hearing orders Hamilton cop who mishandled gun to leave force

A Hamilton police officer found guilty of mishandling his service weapon is set to be dismissed from his position following a Police Services Act hearing.

Const. Brandon Terdik was charged in 2021 after he pointed an unloaded firearm at a colleague and pulled the trigger while he was on duty on Oct. 23 of that year.

Following the charge, a separate incident came to light involving Terdik.

Sometime during July of 2022, Terdik was filmed by a colleague while dancing to music and punching his gun in the air while on duty.

Retired OPP Superintendent Greg Walton, the hearing officer in Terdik’s disciplinary case, rendered his decision Thursday.

“Pursuant to section 85(1)(b) of the Police Services Act, I order Const. Terdik dismissed from the Hamilton Police Service in seven days, unless he resigns before that time,” Walton wrote.

The previous year Terdik pulled the trigger of an empty gun on a fellow officer. He was found guilty on two charges of discreditable conduct from the police services. Hamilton Police released the statement about the decision on Thursday, but did not provide any comment.

READ MORE: Hamilton police officer charged after firearm pointed at another officer

Through his lawyer, Terdik said, “I would like to apologize to the Hamilton police service, the communities that make up the city of Hamilton, my own community and, most importantly, my former coach officer, who was impacted by my actions. I know my actions have more than likely caused the public to doubt the professionalism of the Hamilton, my own community and, most importantly, my former coach officer, who was impacted by my actions. I know my actions have more than likely caused the public to doubt the professionalism of the Hamilton service and police in general.”

Terdik went on to say “the matters dealt with through this disciplinary process were not caused by lack of training, poor screening, nor a lack of supervision but rather my own immaturity and carelessness. They are and should be viewed as a reflection on me and not my police colleagues. I take full responsibility for my actions and have and will continue to better myself as a person. I can not express how deeply sorry I am to all that were impacted by my actions.”

Neither Terdik nor his lawyer indicated if the constable was going to resign within the seven days or allow the service to dismiss him.

They also did not indicate whether Terdik plans to appeal the decision within the 30 days he has to do so.