Officer Kal Ghadban found dead at Ottawa police headquarters

ABOVE: Ottawa police chief remembers officer Kal Ghadban

OTTAWA – Police in Ottawa are mourning the death of one of their own after an officer was found dead inside the police headquarters building.

Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau (pictured above) issued a statement Sunday, identifying the officer as Staff Sgt. Kalid (Kal) Ghadban, 43.

“We are heartbroken to have lost Kal so tragically and so young.  He will be dearly missed by his wife, his three children, and his entire family,” said a statement released on behalf Staff Sgt. Kal Ghadban’s family.

“He was a proud and devoted husband and father, and an excellent police officer; a role he dedicated himself to for more than two decades.”

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Bordeleau said the 22-year veteran was a well-respected and well-loved member of the city’s police service.

READ MORE: 6 months, 23 first responder suicides – what are we doing to help?

The statement from Bordeleau said Ghadban “succumbed to injuries” Sunday afternoon after an “incident” at the police station.

Ontario’s police watchdog has been called in.

The Special Investigations Unit is automatically brought in when someone dies as a result of police actions.

The statement said more information would be released when it was available.

The thoughts and prayers of those at the Ottawa Police Service are with Ghadban’s family, Bordeleau said.

“Those who have worked with him know him as an excellent example of a hard-working, dedicated officer who loved his job,” he said in the statement.

“The news of his death pains us all.”

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If you, a family member or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, or you believe they may be suffering from severe depression and/or anxiety, there are many organizations available to help including the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.  A lengthy list can be found here.