A young police officer who just passed probation was killed in the line of duty while responding to a 911 call.
28-year-old Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala was shot dead near Hagersville in Ontario, Canada, after checking up on a car that was stuck in a ditch according to the reports made to the police.
The incident took place at around 2.30 pm on Tuesday; whereas the passengers in the car presumably opened fire after officer Pierzchala approached their vehicle.
Following the shooting, the young man, who wanted to be a police officer since he was just five years old, was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, the passengers of the stranded car fled the scene on foot, prompting the authorities to urge local residents to shelter in place.
As of this writing, the police have captured two suspects, one male, and one female. They remain in custody.
“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the line of duty death today of our member from the Haldimand County Detachment, OPP Provincial Constable Grzegorz ‘Greg’ Pierzchala,” Ontario Provincial Police Association President John Cerasuolo announced in a statement.
“Provincial Constable Pierzchala was investigating a motor vehicle collision when he was shot and killed this afternoon on Indian Line in Hagersville, Ontario.”
The statement went on to brand the fallen officer as a hero whose “service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Greg’s family, friends and colleagues … Our members go to work every day to serve and protect the citizens of Ontario. They do a dangerous job 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year throughout the province of Ontario,” the tribute read.
“This situation demonstrates that there is no such thing as a routine call in policing. This will be very difficult for all of our OPPA members. Please look after each other out there.”
Remembering Greg as a dedicated cop with a “heart of gold” were also his colleagues including OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
“This is a man who, at five years old, decided he wanted to be a police officer and he had a brief opportunity to live out his dream and to do his best to keep our community safe,” he expressed.
“And unfortunately he paid the ultimate sacrifice today.”
Our thoughts are with Greg’s family, friends, and colleagues during this tragic time.
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