Books of condolence set up for Toronto police officer who died in the line of duty

Det. John Park, a 14-year veteran of Toronto Police Service, died in the line of duty on Dec. 19 following a medical episode. (TPS photo)

Toronto police have installed books of condolence at three locations for people who wish to leave messages of support for family, friends, and colleagues of the late Det. John Park.

A 14-year veteran of the force who has been serving as a member of the hold-up squad, Park experienced a medical episode while executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York on Dec. 19. He died suddenly.

Park, who was 40 and began his career with Toronto Police Service (TPS) at 22 Division, leaves behind his wife Tina and their two children, Madison, age 9, and five-year-old Austin, as well as his parents Lorne and Theresa, his sister Jennifer and her husband Anthony, his grandparents Leslie and Louise.

An online obituary for Park said that he was a dear son-in-law to Brenda and Orlando, a beloved brother-in-law to Christopher and Vanessa, and the proud of Rocco, Michael, Tiago and Mia. He will also be fondly remembered by his many aunts, uncles and cousins, it read.

“John’s life was one filled with love for his family, friends, and colleagues. His memory will forever create smiles, laughter, tears, and inspiration. John will be missed by all who knew him,” the obituary said.

The books of condolence will be located at Toronto Police Service Headquarters, 40 College St., from Dec. 23 to 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm., 33 Division, 50 Upjohn Rd. in North York, from Dec. 23 to 29 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and at 22 Division, 3699 Bloor St. W. in Etobicoke, also from Dec. 23 to 29 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Members of the public should note that they will need to go through a security check point to enter TPS Headquarters and sign the book.

Park’s unexpected and untimely death has prompted an outpouring of support from other first-responders in the GTA, including Toronto Paramedics Services, York Regional Police, and Durham Regional Police, who have all posted messages of condolences on social media.

Several officers also lined the street outside Humber River Hospital when Toronto police held a Dec. 19 news conference announcing his death.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow as well as Premier Doug Ford also offered their condolences.

Further, the CN Tower was dimmed for five minutes at the top of each hour on Thursday night in Park’s honour.

Visitation for Park will be held at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes at 8088 Yonge St. in Thornhill on Dec. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.

His funeral service is set for Dec. 30 at Bayview Glen Church, 300 Steeles Ave. E. in Thornhill at 1 p.m.

A crowdfunding page has also been created to help pay for Park’s funeral and support his widow and children. His family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers.

With files from CP24’s Codi Wilson