Funeral arrangements announced
[attach]3366[/attach]Those wishing to pay their respects to [url=https://streeter.ca/its-a-sad-day-for-toronto.html]fallen police officer Ryan Russell[/url] will have the opportunity to do so on the streets of Toronto ahead of a full police funeral on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Officials were making arrangements Friday afternoon for a funeral procession to take place prior to the 1 p.m. funeral service at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building (255 Front St. West).
Traffic disruption is anticipated from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on several downtown streets, including York Street to the east, Wellington Street to the north, Lakeshore Boulevard to the south, and Spadina Avenue to the west.
At 9 a.m., University Avenue will be closed in both directions, from Queen Street West to College Street.
At 10 a.m., University Avenue will be closed in both directions, from Front Street West to College Street.
University Avenue will re-open as the end of the procession passes through the intersections.
Lower Simcoe Street will be closed in both directions, from Front Street West to Lakeshore Boulevard West, and Bremner Boulevard will be closed from York Street to Rees Street, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Traffic disruption will also occur in the area of the Direct Energy Centre, within the CNE grounds, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Drummond said the funeral is open to the public, and police will accommodate overflow at the convention centre.
Public visitation for Sergeant Russell will take place at a Vaughan funeral home Sunday and Monday. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1-5 p.m. and Monday from 3-7 p.m., at the Jerrett Funeral Home, at 8088 Yonge St., in Thornhill.
On Thursday, Russell’s family made the following statement of thanks to all those who have expressed their support:
“We wish to thank all members of the Toronto Police Service, the Toronto Police Association and all our friends, family and all the exceptional members of the public, for their outpouring of love and support, thoughts and prayers,” the statement read.
“Every single member of Ryan’s family is touched. The warm, heartfelt comments bring much comfort to our hearts.
“With gratitude, forever and always, the family of Sergeant Ryan Russell.”
Russell, 35, died early Wednesday morning in midtown after being struck by a stolen snowplow.
Police have charged [url=https://streeter.ca/man-charged-in-officers-death.html]Richard Esber Kachkar[/url], 44, with first-degree murder.
Russell is the first Toronto police officer to die in the line of duty since 2002.
