'Tragic and sudden loss': Toronto police ID officer who died after suspected medical episode while on duty

A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.

Det. John Park was carrying out a search warrant with other officers in the area of Jane Street and Steeles Avenue when the incident occurred, Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said.

A heavy police presence is seen outside an apartment building in the North York area of Toronto on Thursday, December 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

“In the early hours of this morning, officers executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing robbery investigation,” she said Thursday during a news conference outside Humber River Hospital.

“During this operation, Det. John Park experienced a medical episode and despite the best efforts of our first-responder partners, John passed away.”

Pogue, fighting back tears, told reporters that Park is survived by his wife and two young children, ages nine and five.

“This is heartbreaking news just before Christmas and there is no words to express the sorrow that we feel right now,” Pogue said.

“Here at the hospital we have spoken with and met with John’s family and they are understandably devastated by this tragic and sudden loss.”

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She said Park, who was a 14-year veteran of the police service, was a member of the hold-up squad and began his career at 22 Division.

“This is every family’s worst fear when a loved one works as a police officer and does not come home safely after their shift,” Pogue added.

“Det. Park was a wonderful and loving father and he was appreciated by everyone who knew him at the Toronto Police Service.”

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw echoed Pogue's sentiments regarding Park, calling his on-duty death "devastating."

"The on-duty death of Detective John Park, a husband and father, just days before Christmas, is devastating. The @TorontoPolice and @TPAca will provide unwavering support to his loved ones. The strength, character, and resilience of our members is needed at this time," Demkiw wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw (left) and Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue (right) at the procession on Dec. 19, 2024.

Police have not elaborated on what type of medical episode Park experienced on Thursday morning, but Pogue noted that there is an ongoing investigation.

“We are aware that there is some speculation about a potential exposure to narcotics,” Pogue added.

“We have nothing to believe that it is related to narcotics exposure.”

She said losing a colleague in the line of duty has a “profound impact” on members of the Toronto Police Service as well as the community at large.

“Right now our focus is to do everything we can to support John’s family, his loved ones, and his colleagues here at the Toronto Police Service,” Pogue said.

Park’s death prompted an outpouring of support from other first-responders in the GTA, including Toronto Paramedics Services, York Regional Police, and Durham Regional Police, who all posted messages of condolences on social media.  

In a statement released on social media on Thursday, Premier Doug Ford said he is “deeply saddened” by the news.

“My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the officer, as well as all members of the @TorontoPolice,“ he wrote.

“It’s a sober reminder of the need to always stand with our women and men in uniform, who work tirelessly everyday to keep our communities safe.”

In a written statement, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she is “heartbroken to learn of the death of a police officer” and noted that she has been in touch with Police Chief Myron Demkiw to discuss the incident.

“I understand the circumstances are still being confirmed and investigated,” she said.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time. We deeply appreciate the work of our officers and the work they do every day for our city.”  

The CN Tower said in a social media post that staff plan to dim the lights on the Toronto landmark for five minutes at the top of every hour on Thursday night in honour of Park.