As news of Sgt. Ryan Russell's death spread through the country, politicians and community leaders came forward with condolences.
Toronto's City Hall held a moment of silence and lowered the Canadian flag to half staff in Russell's honour.
Here are a few letters of condolences released on Wednesday:
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford:
"Sergeant Russell, an 11-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service, died this morning while on duty, acting to protect the people of Toronto. His bravery and service to the City of Toronto will not be forgotten.
"Toronto has the best police service in the world. Sergeant Russell is a shining example of the men and women of our police service who put their lives on the line to protect us each day. They, along with our fire and emergency medical workers do their jobs selflessly every day and earn the respect and appreciation of us all."
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty:
"Sergeant Russell's death is a grim reminder that we should never take the dangers of policing for granted. Those who serve never know when they may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. Coming from a police family, Sergeant Russell knew the risks involved when he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father.
"Let us always be grateful for the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who uphold the law and keep us safe."
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff:
"It is with shock and sadness that we mourn the loss of one of Toronto's finest, Sgt. Ryan Russell.
"Sgt. Russell was tragically stuck down in the line of duty early this morning. An 11-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service, he dedicated his life to protecting his fellow citizens. As a family man with a young child, we all feel the heavy weight of this loss.
"On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our parliamentary caucus, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Russell and to the entire Toronto Police Service. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all of our brave police officers."
Toronto Police Services Board Chair Alok Mukherjee, to reporters:
"On behalf of the Toronto Police Services Board, I am here to convey our condolences to the wife of Sgt. Russell. It is a grief that we share, I believe it is a grief that the city should share.
"We have been fortunate that this kind of tragedy does not happen too often, but when it happens it affects all of us. It reminds us of the work that our officers do, day in and day out."
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath:
"On behalf of all New Democrats, I want to extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of Sgt. Ryan Russell of the Toronto Police Service. Sgt. Russell courageously gave up his life in the line of duty as he worked valiantly to protect his fellow citizens. He spent more than a decade making a valuable contribution to keeping Toronto's streets safe. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues."
Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak:
"On behalf of the Ontario PC Caucus, I'd like to offer my condolences and sympathy to the family of Sergeant Ryan Russell, following his tragic death in the line of duty this morning.
"Police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our streets and neighbourhoods safe and secure. I am deeply saddened that Sergeant Russell made the ultimate sacrifice this morning while serving his community. Ryan Russell was a hero.
"Our thoughts and prayers are also with the other police officer involved and we wish the officer a full recovery."
Chief Robert Herman, President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police:
"Police leaders know that when we send out our officers to fulfill their duties, we do so knowing full well that they put their lives on the line. Sergeant Russell's devotion to duty is evidenced by the tragic circumstances that led to his putting the safety and well-being of others before his own.
"His death in the line of duty touches all police officers and represents the greatest sacrifice that an officer can make for his or her fellow citizens. He must be remembered as a genuine Canadian hero"
Federal Public Safety Minister Vic Toews
"On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Ryan Russell of the Toronto Police Service. His untimely death in the line of duty early this morning has profoundly saddened all Canadians. His heartbreaking loss is a reminder to all Canadians of the unremitting commitment of our police, and the constant threats our officers face daily to keep our families and communities safe."
