Massive Show Of Support At Visitation For Fallen Officer
Posted January 16, 2011 9:09 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Hundreds packed a Thornhill funeral home Sunday for the first day of visitation to remember the police officer killed trying to stop a stolen snowplow Wednesday.
Sgt. Ryan Russell, 35, was killed in the line of duty after being struck by the stolen plow Wednesday morning around 6am in the Avenue and Davenport area.
Police have arrested and charged 44-year-old Richard Kachkar in his death. He was reportedly shot three times during the altercation with police and remains in hospital.
He has been charged with first-degree murder and two charges of attempted murder. It’s not known what motivated his alleged rampage.
Visitation for Sgt. Ryan Russell takes place on Sunday, Jan. 16 from 1-5pm and on Monday, Jan. 17 from 3-7pm, at the Jerrett Funeral Home, at 8088 Yonge Street in Thornhill. The funeral for Sgt. Ryan Tuesday is expected to draw a massive outpouring of public mourning.
Up to 10,000 police officers, firefighters and emergency workers are expected to attend, as well as thousands from the general public.
The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 1pm, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, 255 Front St. W. It will air live on Citytv and CityNews.ca.
The family of Sgt. Ryan have issued the following statement:
We wish to thank all members of the Toronto Police Service, the Toronto Police Association and all our friends, family and all the exceptional members of the public, for their outpouring of love and support, thoughts and prayers. Every single member of Ryan’s family is touched. The warm, heartfelt comments bring much comfort to our hearts.
We also wish to thank the news media for respecting our privacy and we will continue to respectfully decline requests for comment or interviews at this time.
With gratitude, forever and always, the family of Sergeant Ryan Russell.
A Facebook memorial page has been established for Russell and a book of condolences is also available for the public to sign at Toronto police headquarters, located at 40 College St.
Meanwhile fellow officers spent Sunday continuing a door-to-door canvas in the Avenue and Davenport area, attempting to locate witnesses in Sgt. Ryan’s murder.
Police are asking anyone with information or who had any fail-to-remain damage done to their property Wednesday January 12 between 5-7:30am within 51, 52, 53, 13, 14 or 11 Divisions to contact police.
Anyone with information should call Detective Mary Vruna or Detective Sergeant Dan Nielsen at (416) 808-7380 or (416) 808-7398. Tips can also be made anonymously at Crime Stoppers at (416) 808-TIPS (8477).
