A force in mourning
Posted Jan 13, 2011 05:40:17 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – A Toronto police sergeant is being remembered as a family man and an honourable officer.
Ryan Russell died yesterday after being crushed by a stolen snowplow that was smashing into vehicles and buildings on a rampage across the city.
The 11-year veteran who was married with a two-year-old son had recently being promoted to sergeant after years on a guns and gangs task force.
Toronto’s police chief called it “the worst of days,” as police across the country are grieving the loss of a colleague in Canada’s largest city.
They’re now forming delegations to send to Toronto to attend the funeral of the 35-year-old Sergeant.
Craig Peddle, a retired cop, says Russell had a sunny disposition and a “smile that could fill the room.”
He called his friend a dynamic man who had a passion for life.
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty calls the death of a Toronto police officer a “grim reminder” of the daily dangers of policing.
Similar feelings were expressed by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews as he extended his condolences to Russell’s family, friends and colleagues.
Few details have been released on the suspect who was driving the snowplow.
He was shot during his arrest and remains is in critical condition in hospital.
