TEARFUL MEMORIES DURING TORONTO COP RYAN RUSSELL'S FIRST VIEWING YESTERDAY....SECOND VIEWING TODAY.

Toronto Police Chief Blair at the condolence register at HQ lobby

Sgt Russell and his 2-year-old son Nolan. What a sweet dad!!

Sgt Russell's wedding day to Christine. Beautiful!!

Sgt Russell and his dad also a cop

Photo Credits: Jerrett Funeral home website

THORNHILL — It was a tear-filled day for family, friends and Toronto Police as they gathered to pay their respects to a fallen hero.Hundreds of officers, other emergency services workers and ordinary citizens flocked to the Jerrett Funeral Home at 8088 Yonge St. on Sunday, the first of two emotional days of visitation for Sgt. Ryan Russell.“Inside there is a sombre mood … and there’s also a sense of togetherness,” said Alok Mukherjee, chairman of the Toronto Police Services Board.“But there’s (also) a general sense of a wasted life, a good life, a promising life, lost suddenly,” he said. “It’s very sad.”Mukherjee and others commented on how well Russell’s family was holding up, especially his widow, Christine.

“They are a group of people who are very strong,” said TPSB vice-chair Michael Thompson, a city councillor. “His wife is absolutely amazing in her strength and her resolve to continue the work and traits of (her husband).”A steady stream of mourners stood in the freezing cold and snaked their way through the funeral home’s parking lot and into some army-style tents before heading inside.Several other Toronto-area politicians stopped by to pay tribute to the slain officer, including Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, NDP leader Jack Layton and Vaughan MP Julian Fantino, who was chief of Toronto Police when Russell became a cop.“It’s that much more profound sense of loss for me,” Fantino said, adding Russell represented a future generation of officers who were eager to keep Toronto safe.“Everyone respected him,” he said of the fallen officer.Having seen his share of such tragedies over the years, Fantino said Russell’s family will be going through “an emotional roller coaster.”“It’s just a very, very difficult time certainly for family, for Toronto Police and for the community as well,” he said.

“It’s something that deeply impacts a community, that sense safety and security we all enjoy.”“There aren’t enough words to describe the deep sense of loss,” Fantino said.Many who visited the funeral home were just ordinary citizens who had never met Russell.“I didn’t know Sgt. Russell personally, but he’s part of a larger family,” said Sandra Cohen, as she made her way into the visitation carrying a Teddy bear for the fallen officer’s toddler, Nolan.

Russell and other police officers “look after” us every day and they do it without thought for themselves,” she added.“So it’s the least I can do.”She wanted Russell’s widow and his two-year-old son, Nolan, to know:“We love them, we support them, and we are very grateful for the sacrifice Ryan has given on our behalf.”Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association, said in a statement that support for Russell’s family has been “overwhelming.”

“The show of emotion for our officer who made the ultimate sacrifice means so much to all of us who serve and protect the city of Toronto,” he said.Russell, an 11-year veteran, was run down and killed early Wednesday while trying to stop a stolen snowplow as it tore a swath of destruction through the city.The alleged driver, Richard Kachkar, 44, was shot numerous times before he was finally taken into custody.He’s charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Another visitation for Russsell, the son of a retired cop, is scheduled Monday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.The 35-year-old will be laid to rest Tuesday in a massive ceremony at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre that is expected to draw thousands of officers from all over North America.

Source: Toronto Sun (Chris Doucette)