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Hundreds of first responders gathered along the streets of Toronto on Sunday afternoon for a procession honouring the Toronto police officer who was killed in a gunfire exchange in the city’s northwest end Thursday.
Const. Marc Pinizzotto died after he was shot while executing a search warrant tied to several shootings in the GTA, including one at the U.S. consulate.
The procession travelled from the Chief Coroner’s office in North York to the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home in Thornhill, said Toronto police in a news release.
The route began by going westbound on Sir William Hearst Avenue, then northbound on Morton Shulman Avenue, eastbound on Wilson Avenue and finally northbound on Yonge Street.
Along the way, dozens of first responders lined up at some parts of the streets and watched solemnly as the procession went by. Standing in the rain, many bowed their heads and held their hats against their chest, others held their hands up in a salute.
Hundreds of members of Toronto’s police, paramedic and fire services stood along the route, according to a statement from Toronto police spokesperson, Ashley Visser. Visser said they were joined by members of the public and other first responders.
Sgt. Ed Sanchuk with the Ontario Provincial Police expressed his condolences to Pinizzotto’s family and to the Toronto police service during the procession which was livestreamed on the OPP YouTube channel.
“This is just not a drive. It’s a tribute,” he said, adding that Pinizzotto served the force with “unwavering courage and conviction.”
“Each day he wore the uniform, he did so with a deep sense of responsibility, placing the needs of the citizens of Toronto above his own and without hesitation,” said Sanchuk.
Apart Sanchuk’s words of memorial, the majority of the livestream was silent as the vehicles drove through the streets in the rain.
Leading up to the procession, police requested that only Toronto Police Service members and approved vehicles participate. Those wishing to pay their respects during the procession were urged to not obstruct traffic or stop on the roads.
WATCH | SIU investigating shooting that left constable dead, suspect injured:
Suspect, 19, in critical condition following police shooting death: SIU
Ontario Special Investigations Unit spokesperson Monica Hudon spoke to reporters Thursday, saying an ‘exchange of gunfire’ broke out while police were carrying out a search warrant before Const. Marc Pinizzotto was shot and killed. She says the 19-year-old suspect is now in hospital in critical condition.
At a news conference following Pinizzotto’s death, Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw said the officer, an 18-year veteran of the force was “a hero in life, not death,” and added that the community is feeling a “very heavy sorrow.”
“No words can capture the impact on Marc’s family, who expected him to come home today,” Demkiw said at the news conference. “We are doing everything we can to support them at this difficult time.”
Members of the public can also leave condolence messages for Pinizzotto’s loved ones on the TPS website or in books available for the next two weeks at TPS headquarters, 23 division or 33 division, said police.
Nicholas Bennett of Toronto, the 19-year-old suspect behind the shooting, remains in hospital in critical condition. Police said he will be charged with first-degree murder.