The late Toronto Police Const. Jeffrey Northrup served dutifully for more than three decades and only had one year to go to his retirement.

Northrup today is being remembered fondly by west-end residents where he spent his first years of policing in a patrol car at 11 Division.

Flags are being flown at half-mast at City of Toronto offices to honour Northrup’s memory and services in Toronto and across the country.

The officer and father of three was killed after being struck by a vehicle in what investigators are calling an “intentional and deliberate act” in the parking garage at city hall early Friday morning, Toronto police said.

“This event will have a profound impact on our service, on our city and all the members of the policing community,” Chief James Ramer said at the scene.

Ramer said the incident happened shortly after midnight in the city hall parkade, located near Bay and Queen Streets.

Northrup and his partner were responding to a 911 call for a robbery in progress when they were struck, Ramer said, noting they were both dressed in plainclothes but could be identified by nametags around their necks.

The Chief said information on the events is limited and unfolding.

He said the suspect was initially outside the vehicle when officers first approached him and there were other occupants in the vehicle at the time.

The veteran officer was transported without vital signs to St. Michael’s Hospital, where he died. His female partner was transported to the same hospital, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Ramer said he and members of the Toronto Police Association visited Northrup’s family overnight to deliver the “devastating news.”

“It goes without saying that it will be most devastating to the family, colleagues and friends of Constable Northrup,” he said.

Northrup leaves behind his wife, three children and his mother. Police said he was about 50 years old.

Ramer said Northrup started his 31-year career force in the Court Services Unit and was then assigned to 11 Division when he became a police officer in 1999. The border of 11 and 22 Division in South Etobicoke meets.

He had been a member of 52 Division since 2008 and was also a member of the Chief’s Ceremonial Unit.

Northrup had been training new officers until April, when Ramer said he requested to return to the major crimes unit.

“He was very proud of the job he did,” the Chief said.

Toronto Mayor John Tory expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

“On behalf of the three million people who our police officers serve [and] the men and the women of the police service, I begin by extending to the family of officer Northrup our deepest condolences.”

One man has been arrested and the force’s homicide squad are investigating.

Grief stricken residents have been laying flowers outside police headquarters and elsewhere in tribute of the slain officer.

Toronto Police have been receiving tributes for Northrup and his family from the police community worldwide.

Residents have also gone online on social media to voice their loss.

“My sincerest condolences to the family of Cst. Jeffrey Northrup and all members of the

@TorontoPolice. My heart breaks for all of you during this tragic time. Wishing a speedy recovery for the other officer involved,’ wrote Jason.

“It is with profound sadness that we have lost a member of our family. Constable Jeff Northrup #99201 was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call overnight in the Queen and Bay St area You will be missed brother,” wrote York Regional Professional Association.

Funeral details will be released soon.