This story is so heartbreaking. A young guy, only 28 years old, who always wanted to be a police officer, finally achieved his goal and was told he passed the final test to become a full-fledged cop and just minutes later, this young man was shot and killed in the line of duty. It’s truly unbelievable and just goes to show you how fragile life truly is and how dangerous it is to be a police officer. The New York Post reported a police officer was gunned down in Canada while responding to a vehicle stuck in a ditch – minutes after finding out he had passed the probationary period to get his “dream job.”
Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala, 28, of the Ontario Provincial Police, responded to the scene on Indian Line Road in Haldimand County at about 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, the CBC reported.
Upon arrival, the cop was allegedly shot by Randall McKenzie, 25, who had failed to appear in court on gun charges, according to the Toronto Sun.
Pierzchala, who was shot in the chest and leg, was rushed to a local hospital, where he died.
McKenzie fled in a black Chevy pickup but was soon arrested along with his girlfriend, who has not been named.
McKenzie was expected to be charged with first-degree murder on Wednesday. The 30-year-old woman also was expected to be charged, though it was unclear on what counts.
Images posted on social media on Tuesday show fellow officers lining the streets as his body was transported to the coroner’s office in Toronto.
Before going out on his fateful call, Pierzchala learned that he had passed his 10-month probationary period on the force, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said.
“This is a man who, at 5 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,” Carrique said, the Hamilton Spectator reported.
“And unfortunately he paid the ultimate sacrifice today,” he said, adding that the fallen cop also was a veteran of the Canadian armed forces.
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that I regretfully advise that #OPP Provincial Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala was killed today while courageously serving in the line of duty,” Carrique said in a tweet.
“Our hearts are with his loved ones and all OPP members at this tragic time. #HeroesInLife,” he added.
Carrique said McKenzie was taken into custody with moderate injuries, but that the officer is not believed to have fired his service weapon at him.
Hagersville Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley expressed her condolences.
“This is a horrific incident,” she told the Global News in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family, as well as the OPP and first responders.”
Bentley added: “On behalf of the county I express our deepest condolences and support in this tragedy.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “horrified” by the officer’s death.
My heart is heavy for this young man and his family. I hope to God they can heal, and find comfort in what a hero he was, if even for a short time.
This post originally appeared on WayneDupree.com.