Policing brotherhood's "worst nightmare" was realized Wednesday when an 11-year veteran of the Toronto police force died in the line of duty, making him the first officer to die in the city in the last nine years.
Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack referred to it as the policing brotherhood's "worst nightmare" – the day a fellow officer dies in the line of duty.
Sgt. Ryan Russell joined the list of fallen officers on Wednesday, when he was struck and killed by a stolen snowplow. He was the first Toronto officer to die in the line of duty since 2002.
Here is a list of Toronto officers who have been killed in the past 30 years.
Feb. 18, 2002 – Const. Laura Ellis
Ellis had just returned from maternity leave when she died in a car crash en route to a break-and-enter investigation. It was her last shift before joining Durham police. She was the first female Toronto Police officer to die in the line of duty.
Aug. 4, 1998 – Const. William Hancox
Hancox, a member of Special Investigation Services, was stabbed while working undercover. Two women were later charged and found guilty.
Sept. 28, 1994 – Const. John W. Knight
Knight was in pursuit of a vehicle when he lost control of his police car and struck a bridge abutment.
June 17, 1994 – Const. Todd E. Baylis
Baylis was doing a walk-through of a building complex when he and his partner spotted a man wanted for drug trafficking. Baylis was shot in the head during a foot chase.
March 6, 1988 – Const. Hugh Galt Lynn
Lynn had pulled a car over for speeding on the Don Valley Parkway and was speaking to the driver when he was struck by another vehicle.
Sept. 18, 1984 – Const. David Alexander Dunmore
Dunmore and his partner were pursuing a vehicle that had been reported stolen when the car abruptly stopped. Dunmore was shot in the neck and chest as he approached the car.
Sept. 23, 1981 – Const. Percival Broderick Cummins
Cummins was shot by his own gun after a scuffle while responding to a disturbance call at a rooming house.
