ABOVE: Fallen Officer will be laid to rest with full police honours. Lama Nicolas reports.
TORONTO – Constable John Zivcic will receive full police honours during a funeral to be held on Monday.
The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. at the Congress Centre on Dixon Road. The procession route details have not been released.
A day after his death, colleagues of Zivcic are remembering the fallen officer as a fun, outgoing person who was dedicated to the work of traffic policing.
“John loved his job and that was evident every time he walked through the door,” said Zivcic’s platoon superior, Staff Sargeant Glenn Dewling in a police media release. “He was always ready to go and do whatever that was needed.”
Zivcic was rushed to hospital late Saturday afternoon after his vehicle collided with another car in the city’s west end while responding to a call about an impaired driver.
Zivcic had several operations at St. Michael’s Hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries early Monday afternoon, surrounded by family, police said.
A book of condolences has been set up at 22 Division.
Zivcic has been described as a well-respected, hardworking police officer who was with the force for more than six years.
He is survived by his mother, brother, sister, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law.
Deputy Police Chief Peter Sloly made the announcement on behalf of the police service and Chief Bill Blair, who was out of town, but “devastated,” Sloly said.
“I want to express our deepest condolences to the Zivcic family,” Sloly said.
“I want to express our thanks to John for his tremendous service to this city. He died in the line of duty doing his job responding to an emergency call, trying to keep the public safe. It’s a sad day for all of us.”
The woman driving the second vehicle in the collision was treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say the cause of the collision is still under investigation.
Zivcic graduated in 2008 and those in his recruiting class remember him as a selfless person.
“I clearly remember John because he was just as tall as I am and we always marched together in training,” said 13 Division Const. Gordon Olarewaju. “He was a phenomenal human being who was inspirational to everyone.”
Zivcic is the 41st Toronto police officer to have died in the line of duty.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
WATCH: Full interview with Toronto Police Association President Mick McCormack as he remembers the life of Toronto police Constable John Zivcic.
-with a file from The Canadian Press
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