Honour Roll
In recognition of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. Heroes in life, not death.
The Honour Roll pays special tribute to Toronto Police officers who died from injuries received in the line of duty or died off-duty in their capacity as a police officer, during acts of bravery. This Honour Roll commemorates their supreme sacrifice. Here are the Toronto Police officers who died while serving the City of Toronto.
Constable William Boyd, Badge No. Unknown
On June 4, 1901, Constable Boyd was transporting several prisoners when they attempted to escape. Constable Boyd was overpowered and lost control of his gun. He was shot and killed by one of the prisoners.
June 4, 1901Constable John Acton, Badge No. Unknown
In June 1907, while making an arrest, Constable Acton was jumped and was badly beaten by a gang of thugs in the laneway behind the Majestic Hotel in Toronto. As a result of his injuries, he went off work and was under Doctor’s care for months. He retuned back to work for a short time but was not well enough and was forced off work. Six weeks prior to his death, he was hospitalized and never recovered. His death registration indicated he died on March 27, 1908 from complications of pneumonia, which was very common with injuries to the rib area and the inability to breathe deeply.
June, 1907Acting Detective Frank A. Williams, Badge No. 565
On November 19, 1918, Detective Williams was investigating a fur theft at Bathurst Street and King Street when he was shot twice through the heart and killed while attempting to arrest two suspects. The suspect was arrested and convicted of the officer’s murder, and was subsequently hanged at the Don Jail. Detective Williams was 28 years old and had served with the TPS for 4 years.
November 19, 1918Constable Albert E. Fisher, Badge No. 439
On November 11, 1928, Constable Fisher was a passenger in a motorcycle sidecar when he was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident. He died two days later on November 13, 1928. Constable Fisher was 41 years of age and had served with the TPS for 18 years.
November 11, 1928Constable Roy A. McQuillin, Badge No. 621
On December 11, 1930, Constable McQuillin attempted to stop a stolen vehicle driven by a suspect wanted for several robberies. The suspect opened fire on Constable McQuillin with a .32 caliber handgun. The wounded officer was rushed to a local hospital in a passing car but died of his injuries en-route. Constable McQuillin was 32 years old and had served with the TPS for 10 years.
December 11, 1930Constable Joseph DeFerrari, Badge No. 439
On December 31, 1932, Constable DeFerrari was on a police motorcycle when he was fatally injured in a collision with an impaired driver. Constable DeFerrari was 25 years old and had served with the TPS for 2 years.
December 31, 1932Constable Edward McMaster, Badge No. 775
Constable McMaster was riding a police motorcycle when his motorcycle was struck by a florist truck that ran a red light at King and Peter St. He was thrown from the bike, hit his head and died from his injuries on April 24, 1935. He died at 31 years of age and had served with the TPS for eight years.
April 24, 1935Constable Edward Knox, Badge No. Unknown
On May 10, 1935, Constable Knox was working in plain clothes patrolling the warehouse area along the western gap of Toronto harbour. The area was blanketed in thick dense fog and Constable Knox missed a curve in the road along Fleet Street, driving the cruiser over the sea wall. After day break, the cruiser was found hung up on the railing, dangling over the water, with the driver door open. Constable Knox was pulled from the lake one hour later. He was 43 years of age and had served with the TPS for 22 years.
May 10, 1935Acting Detective James H. Watson, Badge No. 386
On April 30, 1938, Detective Watson was in pursuit of a wanted vehicle when he was involved in a motor vehicle collision resulting in fatal injuries. Detective Watson was 49 years old and had served with the TPS for 28 years.
April 30, 1938Constable John W. Scott, Badge No. 675
On August 12, 1942, Constable Scott died as a result of injuries he sustained in a collision while operating a police vehicle. Constable Scott was 50 years old and had served with the TPS for 21 years.
April 30, 1938Constable Charles F. Hainer, Badge No. 4457
On September 18, 1943, Constable Hainer died in a motor vehicle collision while operating a police motorcycle. Constable Hainer was 47 years old and had served with the TPS for 23 years.
September 18, 1943Constable Robert A. Wright, Badge No. 327
On December 21, 1945, Constable Wright was on duty directing traffic when he was struck by a motor vehicle. He died the following day on December 22 from his injuries. Constable Wright was 26 years old and had served with the TPS for 3 months.
December 21, 1945Constable Cecil Holden, Badge No. 568
On March 18, 1950, Constable Holden suffered a fatal heart attack off duty when he attempted to break up an assault on a teenager. Constable Holden was 53 years of age and had served with the TPS for 29 years.
March 18, 1950Sergeant Joseph R. Battersby, Badge No. 860
On June 22, 1951, Acting Sergeant Battersby was electrocuted while investigating fallen hydro wires. He was 46 years old and had served with the TPS for 23 years.
June 22, 1951Detective Sergeant Edmund Tong, Badge No. 455
On March 6 1952, Detective Sergeant Tong and his partner stopped a vehicle containing two members of the Boyd Gang, a group suspected of robbing banks. As Detective Sergeant Tong approached the car, the suspects opened fire fatally injuring Detective Sergeant Tong and wounding his partner. Detective Sergeant Tong died of his wounds on 23 March 1952. The suspects fled to Montreal where they were involved in a shootout with police that left both suspects wounded. Both men were convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of Detective Sergeant Tong. They were executed in the Toronto Jail on December 16, 1952. Detective Sergeant Tong was 47 years old and had served with the TPS for 23 years.
March 6, 1952Detective Sergeant James Priest, Badge No. Unknown
On October, 13, 1952, Detective Sergeant James Priest suffered a fatal heart attack while trying to arrest a suspect at the scene of a break-and-enter. Detective Sergeant Priest was 53 years of age and had served with the TPS for 31 years.
October, 13, 1952Constable Kenneth Holmes Lennon, Badge No. Unknown
On June 19, 1954, Constable Lennon died following a collision between his police motorcycle and an oncoming vehicle. He was 28 years of age and had served for 3 years.
June 19, 1954Constable John B. Perkins, Badge No. 484
On July 7, 1959, Constable Perkins died from injuries received in a motor vehicle collision while riding a police motorcycle. Constable Perkins was 24 years old and had served with the TPS for 3 years.
July 7, 1959Constable Theodore D. Christiansen, Badge No. 1672
On March 25, 1961, Constable Christiansen died from injuries received in a motor vehicle collision when his motorcycle was struck from behind pushing him into oncoming traffic. Constable Christiansen was 23 years old and had served with the TPS for 1 year.
March 25, 1961Constable Frederick John Nash, Badge No. 238
On February 12, 1962, Constable Nash was shot during a struggle with a suspect who had robbed the Red Rooster restaurant. The suspect was arrested, tried and convicted of the murder of Constable Nash and sentenced to death by hanging. He was executed on Dec. 11 1962 along with another man (unrelated murder) at the Toronto Jail. Both men were the last executions in Canada before capital punishment was abolished. Constable Nash was 32 years old and had served with the TPS for 11 years.
February 12, 1962Constable Arthur Thomas Truman, Badge No. 93
On August 3, 1963, Constable Truman was fatally injured in a motor vehicle collision while riding a police motorcycle in Parkdale. Constable Truman was 24 years old and had served with the TPS for 3 years.
August 3, 1963Detective Kenneth J. Evans, Badge No. 99
On November 29, 1963, Detective Kenneth J. Evans and Detective Sergeant Bassett died in a plane crash while returning to Toronto after testifying in a murder trial in Montreal, Quebec. The plane crashed after take-off in a rainstorm, killing more than 100 passengers and crew. Detective Evans was 38 years old and had served with the TPS for 9 years. Detective Sergeant Bassett was 40 years old had served with the TPS for 23 years.
November 29, 1963Detective Sergeant John H. Bassett, Badge No. 2
On November 29, 1963, Detective Sergeant John H. Bassett and Detective Evans died in a plane crash while returning to Toronto after testifying in a murder trial in Montreal, Quebec. The plane crashed after take-off in a rainstorm, killing more than 100 passengers and crew. Detective Sergeant Bassett was 40 years old had served with the TPS for 23 years. Detective Evans was 38 years old and had served with the TPS for 9 years.
November 29, 1963Constable David F. Goldsworthy, Badge No. 1967
On October 6, 1969, Constable Goldsworthy was found dead in a field near Gary Ray Drive in North York, shot in the chest, neck and mouth. A citizen had noticed a police car idling nearby for hours and phoned police. Scrawled across the officer’s memo-book was the word “Vincenzo”. This clue led to the arrest of a suspect who was subsequently tried and convicted of murder. Constable Goldsworthy was 26 years of age and had served with the TPS for 3 years.
October 6, 1969Constable Donald H. Lewis, Badge No. 819
On February 11, 1972 Constable Lewis was fatally injured in a motor vehicle collision while investigating a traffic accident. Constable Lewis was 33 years old and had served with the TPS for 11 years.
February 11, 1972Detective Michael Irwin, Badge No. 1683
On February 27, 1972, Detectives Irwin and Sinclair were shot and killed after responding to call at an apartment where the suspect was being evicted. The suspect, who had a long criminal history, opened fire, fatally wounding both officers. The suspect was shot dead by responding officers. Detective Irwin was 38 years old had served with the TPS for 12 years. Detective Sinclair was 45 years old and had served with the TPS for 22 years.
February 11, 1972Detective Douglas Thomas Sinclair, Badge No. 4033
On February 27, 1972, Detectives Sinclair and Irwin were shot and killed after responding to call at an apartment where the suspect was being evicted. The suspect, who had a long criminal history, opened fire, fatally wounding both officers. The suspect was shot dead by responding officers. Detective Sinclair was 45 years old and had served with the TPS for 22 years. Detective Irwin was 38 years old had served with the TPS for 12 years.
February 27, 1972Constable James M. Lothian, Badge No. 2885
On January 11, 1973, Constable Lothian was fatally shot while investigating two suspects in a wanted vehicle. Constable Lothian was 28 years old and had served with the TPS for 6 years.
January 11, 1973Constable Leslie Maitland, Badge No. 2442
On February 1, 1973, Constable Maitland died after being shot by a suspect in a bank robbery. He had been on the look out for a suspicious vehicle when he noticed a speeding car. Constable Maitland followed the car until it crashed into a garage. As the officer approached the vehicle, he was shot four times. Constable Maitland was 35 years old and had served with the TPS for 6 years.
February 1, 1973Constable Lee E. Wilson, Badge No. 2397
On September 25, 1975, Constable Wilson was en route to a pay-duty call in his personal car when he was involved in a collision at the intersection of Finch Avenue East and Warden Avenue. Constable Wilson died from injuries. Constable Wilson was 44 years old and had served with the TPS for 6 years.
September 25, 1975Constable Paul G. Gosling, Badge No. 4006
On November 5, 1976, Constable Gosling died as a result of a motor cycle collision at Islington Avenue and Winnipeg Road. Constable Gosling was 27 years old and had served with the TPS for 3 years.
November 5, 1976Constable Henry Harry Snedden, Badge No. 6899
On September 15, 1978, Constable Snedden was investigating a neighbor dispute when he was shot and killed. As Constable Snedden attempted to arrest one of the men, the suspect was able to gain control of Constable Snedden’s service revolver, shooting him once in the chest. Constable Snedden was 22 years old and had served with the TPS for 2 years.
September 15, 1978Constable Michael William Sweet, Badge No. 4794
On March 14, 1980, Constable Sweet and his partner responded to a call for an armed robbery at a Queen Street bar. Two suspects at the premise opened fire on the officers, and Constable Sweet was gravely wounded. When back-up arrived on the scene, the suspects held both officers’ hostage, refusing Constable Sweet’s plea for assistance. Following a lengthy stand-off, two suspects were arrested, tried and convicted and Constable Sweet succumbed to his injuries. Constable Sweet was 30 years old and had served with the TPS for 6 years.
March 14, 1980Constable Percival Broderick Cummins, Badge No. 2377
On September 23, 1981, Constable Cummins and his partner responded to a call for a disturbance at a rooming house. The officers were confronted by a man and during the ensuing struggle the suspect grabbed one of the officer’s service revolvers. Constable Cummins was fatally shot in the neck and his partner shot in the hand. The suspect was arrested and charged with first degree murder. Constable Cummins was 38 years old and had served with the TPS for 11 years.
September 23, 1981Constable David Alexander Dunmore, Badge No. 3375
On September 18, 1984, Constable Dunmore was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to stop a stolen vehicle. As the constables attempted to exit their vehicle the suspect opened fire on them, killing Constable Dunmore. Constable Dunmore was 40 years old and had served with the TPS for 11 years.
September 18, 1984Constable Hugh G. M. Lynn, Badge No. 5738
On March 6, 1988, Constable Lynn was struck by a car and killed on the Don Valley Parkway while standing on the shoulder of the roadway. He had a speeding car pulled over and was speaking to the driver of the stopped vehicle. Constable Lynn was 39 years old and had served with the TPS for 14 years.
March 6, 1988Constable Todd E. Baylis, Badge No. 114
On June 17, 1994 , Constable Baylis and his partner attempted to arrest a suspect who was wanted for drug trafficking during a walk-through of a building complex. The officers were in the process of chasing down the suspect when the suspect pulled a loaded handgun from a backpack and fired at Constable Baylis, striking the officer in the head. Constable Baylis died in hospital. Constable Baylis was 25 years of age and had served with the TPS for 4 years.
June 17, 1994Constable John W. Knight, Badge No. 7068
On September 28, 1994, Constable John W. Knight was in pursuit of a vehicle when he lost control of his police car and struck a bridge abutment. Constable Knight died as a result of his injuries. He was 37 years of age and had served with the TPS for 18 years.
June 17, 1994Detective Constable Hancox, Badge No. Unknown
On August 4, 1998, Detective Constable Hancox was working in plainclothes and sitting in a police vehicle when two female suspects approached the car and fatally stabbed Detective Constable Hancox in the chest. Two women were arrested, tried and convicted in his death. Detective Constable Hancox was 32 years old and had served with the TPS for 9 years.
August 4, 1998Constable Laura Ellis, Badge No. 7538
On February 18, 2002, Constable Laura Ellis and her partner were responding to an emergency call when their vehicle collided with a car at Brimley Road and Huntingwood Drive and struck a hydro pole. Constable Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene and her partner received serious injuries. Constable Ellis had just returned from maternity leave and was finishing her last shift with the TPS before joining the Durham Regional Police Service. Constable Ellis is the first female TPS police officer killed on duty in Toronto. Constable Ellis was 31 years old and had served with the TPS for 3 years.
February 18, 2002Sergeant Ryan Russell, Badge No. 7686
On January 12, 2011, Sergeant Ryan Russell was attempting to stop the driver of a stolen snow plow at the intersection of Avenue Road and Davenport Road when the driver struck and killed Sergeant Russell. A suspect was arrested and in a controversial court decision, was found not criminally responsible (NCR) in Sergeant Russell‘s death. Sgt. Russell was 35 years of age and had served with the TPS for 11 years.
January 12, 2011Constable John Zivcic, Badge No. 9824
On November 30, 2013, Constable John Zivcic was responding to an emergency call when he was involved in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Neilson Drive. Constable Zivcic was critically injured and succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2013. Constable Zivcic was an organ donor and his organs were successfully matched to several recipients. Constable Zivcic was 34 years old and had served with the TPS for 6 years.
November 30, 2013Constable Jeffrey Northrup, Badge No. 99201
In the early morning hours of July 2, 2021, Detective Constable Jeffrey Northrup (99201) and his partner responded to a priority call in an underground parking garage at Queen Street and Bay Street. During the course of the event, Constable Northrup was struck by a vehicle. He was rushed to hospital by an emergency run where he was pronounced shortly after. Detective Constable Jeffrey Northrup had 31 years of service.
July 2, 2021Constable Andrew Hong, Badge No. 7815
On September 12, 2022, Constable Hong was on a break from training when he was shot and killed in an ambush attack. His murder was the first in a series of shootings that followed which left two community members dead. Constable Hong had been a member of the Toronto Police Service since 2000, starting in 42 Division and was later assigned to Traffic Services – where he served as a motorcycle officer since 2008. Constable Andrew Hong was 48 years old and had served with the TPS for 22 years.
September 12, 2022Ontario Police Memorial Foundation
The Ontario Police Memorial was unveiled in May 2000. Located next to Queen’s Park in downtown Toronto, the memorial recognizes the Ontario police officers who have been killed in the line of duty. Every year, on the first Sunday in May, officers from across North America are joined by the community to add new names to the Memorial Wall.
The President of the OPMF is TPA Director of Uniform Field Services, Jason Tomlinson.