PEEL POLICE PRESS CONFERENCE "Officer Succumbs to Injuries as a result of Collision" March 3, 2010

Video transcript:

PEEL POLICE CHIEF MIKE METCALF:

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much for coming. I have with me on the podium, the Chairman of our Police Services Board, Mr. Emil Kolb and to his right is Mr. Jim Murray, our Vice Chair.

We have suffered a great loss.

This morning it is with deep sadness that I announce the on-duty death of Constable Artem James Otchakovski of 21 Division, G-Platoon. And I have also have Superintendent Steve Wollaston, the Divisional Commander —21 Division.

Constable Otchakovski passed away at 9 oclock last night, surrounded by his family and his colleagues. He is survived by his wife, Erin and three-year-old son.

Constable Otchakovski joined Peel Regional Police in 2008. He was assigned to 21 Division at that time.

On Monday, March 1st at approximately 11 pm, Constable Otchakovski, on his way to assist another officer in a non-emergency situation, was involved in a motor vehicle collision at Steeles Avenue, east of Airport Road.

Other officers attended the scene. Fire and Emergency personnel also attended. James was then transported to Brampton Civic Hospital before being transferred to Sunnybrook

Investigation into the accident is conducted by our Major Collision Bureau and I cant comment on the investigation at this time.

Our chaplain, along with peer support staff, members of the chiefs management group and the Peel Regional Police Association have been with Jamess family and platoon colleagues since the accident, and we will continue to offer support.

The coming days will be difficult for us. We prepare to pay tribute to a fine young officer who cared for his family and served his community with pride. The loss of one of our own is a tragedy that affects all of us, but we can rely on the strength of our entire police family and the community to cope with the grief.

We have many support services in place to help our officers and civilian support staff cope with what has happened.

The many men and women of the Peel Regional Police, as they deal with this tragedy, will continue to serve the citizens of Peel as we always do, and I ask that you keep James family, friends and colleagues in your prayers.

And Ill answer any questions

TRANSCRIPT ENDS

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• PEEL POLICE OFFICER DIES
• CAR CRASH

[mastaboy15]

i  got a email from this. i fell so sorry for this constables family

[MISSISSAUGAWATCH]

Hi mastaboy15,

Yes. That was my reaction as well. Bad enough for the Constable to leave his wife --but a three-year-old son!

Truth be told I so often worry about our "Peelers" (that's what I call our Peel Regional Police). But it's when I see them pull someone over to the side of the road.

Or already pulled over and now approaching the car. Like how they never really can be sure who or what they are facing.

I tell you. Police, Fire Fighters, Paramedics (Emergency Services) they're heroes.