Const. John Zivcic to receive full police funeral Monday

The public will have a chance to pay their respects to Toronto police Const. John Zivcicduring a memorial service and procession that will take place Monday.

Zivcic, 34,was responding to a call about an impaired driver when he collided with another car Saturday afternoon nearBloorStreet West andNeilsonDrive. His cruiser then crashed into a tree, ejecting him from the vehicle.

The officer succumbed to his injuries at St. Michaels Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

Deputy Chief Peter Slolysaid that Zivcic was surrounded by members of his family when he died.

A visitation will be heldat the Delmoro Funeral Home at 61 Beverley Hills Dr., near Highway 401 and Jane Street, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, in the north building of the Toronto Congress Centre at 650 Dixon Rd. It is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

There will also be a procession in advance of the service, though police are still finalizing the details.

Condolences pour in

Officers from Toronto andHamilton held vigilsat the hospital Sunday. Since his death, city officialsand members of various police forces and the public have been offering praise and their condolences.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford also expressed his sympathies.

He worked very hard and thats why we have to support front-line police men and women. They sacrifice their life day in and day out, and its a very sad day today," said Ford.

On Monday night, people who didn't know Zivcic personally, includingJulia Ricci, began leaving cards, flowers and candles at the site of the crash, creating a makeshift memorial.

I respect what they do in their job,so I just wanted to come out and show my respect and give my condolences, Ricci said.

In Zivcics hometown of St. Catharines, Ont., Kevin McKenna looked through childhood photos of his son and Zivcic, who grew up across the street.

He just seemed to enjoy growing up and enjoyed having fun. He was a really nice kid, said McKenna, who also coached Zivcic in high school basketball.

Jim Norgate remembers teaching Zivcic when he was taking the police foundations course at Niagara College.

He said Zivcic always had a smile on his face and was someone who put others at ease.

Norgate spent 11 years working as a police officer and is aware of the risks that come with the job, though he said you never expect it to hit so close to home.

"Its a sad moment, but you try to remember him as you knew him," Norgate told CBC News on Tuesday.

Death described as 'a terrible day'

Zivcic has been described as a greatly respected guy," especially at Toronto's 22 Division.

"Its a terrible day for the Toronto Police Service," said Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack.

"Our hearts are broken for Johns family."

The officer is survived by his mother,and his brother and sister and their spouses.

Hours after Zivcic died, a news release said his organs will be donated.

Books of condolence for the public to sign have been placed in the lobby of 22 Division, located at 3699 Bloor St.W., as well as in the lobby of Toronto police headquarters at 40 College St.