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WARMINGTON: OPP officer killed in line of duty — 'every police and family member’s worst nightmare'

· Toronto Sun

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Yet another Ontario Provincial Police officer has been killed on Ontario roads in what has turned out to be a devastating day for the provincial service.

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“This is every police and family member’s worst nightmare,” Ontario Provincial Police Association president David Sabatini said.

Unfortunately, another nightmare has come true.

“It is with deep sorrow that I confirm that OPP Const. Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty this afternoon in Hearst,” OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said on Tuesday.

There is still an investigation underway, but the OPP confirmed that the 29-year-old Brampton native and nearly three-year veteran cop was killed in the line of duty while deployed with the James Bay Detachment.

The incident happened at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, when OPP members were conducting an investigation at Kendall Concession Rd. 7 and Concession Rd. 6 near Hearst.

“A member of the OPP was seriously injured and has since been pronounced deceased,” OPP said in a news release.

The OPP’s Criminal Investigations Branch is leading this probe which is still in its infancy. But what is known is this officer was killed while trying to save others.

It’s the kind of guy Bali was.

“He was a good, solid and keen police officer,” one OPP source said.

He was also compassionate and kind. Stationed at the Dufferin County Detachment in the OPP’s Central Region, he spent his Christmas last year making sure area kids got their presents from Santa Claus by volunteering in a toy drive. He also volunteered to go to Northern Ontario’s James Bay Detachment, North East Region.

Sometimes, officers go out a long way from home to serve, but don’t get to go home. This is the second OPP officer to die this year while on duty. In late April, OPP officer Sgt. Brandon Malcolm of the OPP’s Northumberland detachment died after crashing his motorcycle on Hwy. 401 near Cobourg.

And now this has happened to Bali.

“This is another reminder of the dangers that our members face each and every day as they serve and protect the citizens of Ontario,” OPPA leader Sabatini said. “On behalf of the OPP Association, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Provincial Constable Bali’s family, friends and colleagues. We will steadfastly support our PC Bali’s family and co-workers.”

That is not easy work. It has not been a good year for the OPP in terms of losing members on the road.

But, as both Carrique and Sabatini say, neither will ever be forgotten.

Tributes for officer

Tributes quickly began pouring in for the fallen officer on Tuesday.

“On behalf of the members of the Toronto Police Service, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali for their tragic loss,” Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said in a post to X.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also offered his condolences.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, who was killed in the line of duty today while serving in Hearst,” Ford said.

“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and OPP colleagues. We honour his courage, service and sacrifice.”

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