Torontonians express shock at officer's death

The killingof Toronto police Sgt. Ryan Russell has led to an outpouring of grief and sympathy across the city.

Everyone from the Ontario premierto averageTorontonians have stepped forward to sayhow deeply affected they are by the death. Russell died after being hit by a truck outfitted with a snowplow, an incident that resulted in policeeventually shootinga suspect.

Premier Dalton McGuinty said everyone isshocked by the tragedy andthe death is a "grim reminder that we should never take the dangers of policing for granted."

"Every once in a while we are reminded through tragic circumstances of the kind of work that we ask our police to do for us every single day. And today's another painful example," McGuintysaidin Kitchener, Ont.

Toronto police Chief Bill Blair spoke to the mediaWednesday afternoon from the lobby of Toronto police headquarters. Blair said he had spoken to the family of the slain officer his wife and his parents.

"Sgt. Russell leaves behind a very courageous young wife and a two-year-old son. It is indeed a tragedy for the service, and for the city."

Many in sympathy

Blair said the death of a police officer strikes a deep chord with many, many families across the city.

"I know today when it went across the radio, on the news, that a police officer had been badly hurt, that at least 6,000 families in this city that their hearts skipped a beat.And everyone quickly thought, where is my loved one?"

"There is very little comfort that ours is safe but someone else has lost their life and another family has been so deeply hurt by this," said Blair.

Flags at the Ontario legislature and at municipal buildings across Toronto are flying at half-mast as a sign of mourning for Russell.

"His bravery and service to the City of Toronto will not be forgotten," said Mayor Rob Ford, whomet reporters outside his office but would not comment further on the shooting or answer questions.

Blair said he also wanted to thank, on behalf of the force, the hundreds of ordinary citizens who had expressed their condolences. "My thanks to the very, very many citizens who have called to express their love and their support," the chief said.

Many Torontonians expressed their shock and grief.

"It's heartbreaking," said one man, "he's got a toddler, I understand, and it must be very hard for the family, so our thoughts and prayers are with the family."

"It's tragic," said another man."Sad to see.You never like to see anything like that."

Funeral details have not been completed.