Mourners came to pay their final respects to a Toronto police officer who died after a collision while on duty last week.
Fellow police officers, friends and strangers said farewell Sunday afternoon to Const. John Zivcic during a public visitation at the Delmoro Funeral Home near Wilson Ave. and Jane St. Another visitation period took place Sunday evening.
The 34-year-old officer died in hospital days after the police cruiser he was driving collided with another vehicle before slamming into a tree. Police say Zivcic, an officer with 22 Division, was responding to a call when the crash occurred.
Inside the funeral home Sunday, a single lit candle was placed next to a framed picture of a smiling Zivcic.
Friends and family described the officer as a kind man with a sense of humour who played the accordion.
A steady stream of mourners came to the North York funeral home, including Police Chief Bill Blair and Mayor Rob Ford.
“The feelings inside were very sad, heartbroken. People are still in disbelief,” said family friend John Rogolja.
Even those who didn’t know Zivcic personally came to honour him. Peter Iacono was one of the mourners who felt compelled to attend the visitation.
“They sacrifice their lives 24 hours a day. That’s what happened to this man. They (get) called for an emergency, and it cost his life," he said.
A public police memorial is taking place Monday at 11 a.m. at the North Building of the Toronto Congress Centre on Dixon Road. Doors open at 10 a.m.
There will also be visitations this week in Zivcic’s hometown of St. Catharines before a private family funeral on Thursday.
With a report from CTV Toronto’s Calvin To
