Police Chief praises fallen officer

Toronto’s Deputy Chief Peter Sloly praised Constable Zivcic for his dedication and service to the city, in a brief news conference that brought together two, frequent adversaries. Scot Urquhart has that part of the story.

The Toronto Police Service and its union, the Toronto Police Association, were standing shoulder to shoulder to offer condolences and support to the Zivcic family.

Deputy Chief Sloly and Association President Mike McCormack both addressed the media, following the announcement that Constable Zivcic had succumbed to his injuries. And both, were obviously deeply saddened by his death.

First, Deputy Chief Sloly: “I want to express our deepest condolences to the Zivcic family. I want to express my thanks to John for his tremendous service to the city. He dies in the line of duty, doing his job. Responding to an emergency call. Trying to keep the public safe.”

Mike McCormack, President of the Toronto Police Association: “We’ve lost one of our own. Every police officer in the city, if not the country feels… You know, we go out there every day and do this job and this could be them. We’re going to be burying a 34-year old police officer and there no way to measure the impact to the Toronto police service or John’s family.”

The fatal crash occurred on Saturday afternoon, as Constable Zivcic rushed to respond to an emergency call. Early reports indicate that his cruiser collided with another vehicle then caromed into a tree, at the scene and Constable Zivcic was ejected from his cruiser, on impact.

The woman driving the other car involved in the accident received only minor injuries. She was treated and released soon after the crash, and police say that because her injuries were minor, the SIU has no mandate to investigate the crash.

The accident is under investigation by Toronto police traffic services but police are saying very little about that investigation, at this time. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.