'The man who was loved by all': Funeral service honours Toronto police officer killed during investigation

'The man who was loved by all': Funeral service honours Toronto police officer killed during investigation

Const. Marc Pinizzotto was killed during a police raid for an investigation tied to several shootings

Family, Toronto police officers honour Const. Marc Pinizzoto, who was killed during investigation

Hundreds of police officers, emergency responders and city leaders joined the family of Const. Marc Pinizzoto at a funeral service to honour the fallen Toronto constable in Etobicoke Wednesday afternoon.

Pinizzotto’s casket, wrapped in the Canadian flag, was carried down the packed hall at Toronto Congress Centre to the dirge of a lone bagpiper. It followed a three-hour funeral procession that escorted his body to the service from a North York funeral home.

Supt. Greg Watts began the ceremony by addressing Pinizzotto’s wife and two children, telling them they would always be part of the Toronto police family.

"Pinner is the man who was loved by all," said Watts, referring to Pinizzotto by the nickname he was known by in the emergency task force. "He wasn't just respected, he was loved. He made hard days better, heavy moments lighter."

Pinizzotto was shot on June 11 while carrying out a search at an apartment building in the city's northwest as part of an investigation into multiple shootings.

The veteran police officer, who was 43, died later in hospital. He was one of three Canadian police officers killed on duty in Canada in less than two weeks.

At Wednesday's service, Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw saluted Pinizzotto’s casket before addressing the service, calling him "a hero in life."

"We can honour his legacy by making a solemn pledge to carry forward Marc's memory and all that he stood for," Demkiw said.

"In honour of his sacrifice, we continue to choose courage, a commitment to excellence, and a life of service," he said. "It is who Marc was, it is who we are, and it is who we will continue to be. Marc, you will never be forgotten."

Pinizzotto's death hit home for all Toronto police officers, Const. Viktor Sarudi said Wednesday morning at the start of the funeral procession.

"When we put on this uniform every morning and we go to work, every one of us is expecting to go home," he said. "We're brothers and sisters and when we go to work, something like this, it really is very sombre."

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The man accused of shooting him, 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, was shot and injured by police and remains in hospital.

Bennett has been charged with first-degree murder as well as offences related to two other shootings, and is due to appear in court by video next month.

Pinizzotto, who served 18 years with the Toronto Police Service, leaves behind his wife, two children, two brothers and mother and father.

His children, Daniella and Domenic, spoke Wednesday about their love for their father, saying he was their best friend as well as their parent.

"My dad lived through his very short time here with happiness and doing good in the world," Domenic said. "Rest easy, Dad. I love you."

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Daniella recalled her coffee dates with her father, and the time and love he gave her and her family.

"The part that hurts me the most is that I won't get to experience hugging you again or holding your hand again," Daniella said. "Although I used to be embarrassed to hold your hand in public. I would do anything to do it one last time."

Pinizzotto's mother, Linda, spoke about Marc's commitment to making the world a better, safer place, calling him "an amazing son with a heart of gold."

Mayor Olivia Chow told reporters she's known Pinizzotto's mother for years and her thoughts were with the family Wednesday. She was one of several officials in attendance at Wednesday's funeral service, including Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Police Service board chair Shelley Carroll.

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Along with his dedication to his family and profession, Pinizzotto was a passionate hockey player and coach, his brothers Steve and Jay said with emotion.

Pinizzotto had captained the Oakville Blades in the Ontario Junior Hockey League and mentored kids at the Oakville Rangers hockey club. The club's president said in a statement after his death that the generation of young kids he inspired will be part of his legacy.

Speaking through tears, Jay said his brother's legacy went far beyond that.

"Marc, you were more than a police officer, you were more than a member of the [emergency task force], you were more than a hockey player. You are our brother. You are our best friend," he said.

"We are proud of the life you lived, and we're proud of the man you became, and we're proud that the world needed courage and had someone like you."

With files from The Canadian Press, Ali Chiasson, Arrthy Thayaparan and Dwight Drummond