| Article | July 15, 2011
Toronto parkette named in honour of fallen police officer Ryan Russell
Mayor Rob Ford, Councillor Adam Vaughan (Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina), Toronto Chief of Police William Blair, retired Police Detective Glenn Russell (Sergeant Russell's father), Ms. Christine Russell (widow) and City of Toronto staff today joined members of the community to rename the former Dupont Parkette "Sergeant Ryan Russell Parkette," with a ceremonial sign unveiling.
"Renaming this parkette in honour of the late Sergeant Ryan Russell is a fitting tribute to a dedicated police officer who perished tragically in the line of duty," said Mayor Ford. "It also reminds us that Toronto's brave police officers and other emergency services workers deserve our gratitude every day."
On January 12, 2011, Sergeant Ryan Russell died after he was hit by a stolen snowplow while attempting to apprehend the driver.
"Sergeant Ryan Russell brought to life the core values of the Toronto Police Service: honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, reliability, teamwork and a selfless public service with a positive attitude," said Councillor Adam Vaughan. "It is with great pride that we name this parkette in honour of the life and work of a good man and a good police officer."
Russell, an 11-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service and a member of the Guns and Gangs Task Force, had been promoted to sergeant and moved to 52 Division six months before his death in January.
"This tribute to Sergeant Ryan Russell recognizes a man who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He is a hero, among the many officers who do extraordinary work each day to keep their community safe, who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way for others,” said Chief Blair.
The new Sergeant Ryan Russell Parkette is located at 250 Avenue Rd., at Dupont Street. |
