Sgt. John Zivcic was remembered by his loved ones with a plaque and lilac tree.
It took 11-years but a plaque has been finally placed for friends and family to remember Toronto Police Const. John Zivcic.
Zivcic, 34, died of head injuries after his police vehicle was involved in a collision in November 2013 at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Neilson Drive.
The husband and family man was on traffic duty and was responding to an emergency call for an impaired driver with his lights and sirens on when he was involved in a collision.
The young officer had been stationed for more than six years at 22 Division, in South Etobicoke.
Family, friends and co-workers of Sgt. John Zivcic unveil a plaque in his memory under a memorial lilac tree.
A group of family, friends and co-workers gathered on January 23 as a plaque was unveiled under a tree on Bloor St., near the crash site, in memory of Zivcic. The tree was planted prior in his memory and police dog was named Zee after the officer.
“This lilac tree planted in John’s honour is very significant and will have special meaning for many people,” police said then. “This tree will serve as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice John made in protecting the citizens of Toronto.”
Police said the plaque unveiling brought together his family, friends, and fellow officers to honour his courage, dedication, and commitment to serving his community.
Plaque in memory of the valiant officer.
Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said the tree and plaque serve as a reminder of what many police officers know well.
“I pass this place frequently and I think about John, his sacrifice, his courage and commitment to community, as many of you do,” she said. “This plaque ensures everyone who passes can reflect. And it offers us a place to gather to celebrate John and ensure he is never forgotten.”
Hamilton Police Service Chief Frank Bergen, who was serving as the 22 Division unit commander at the time of the tragic collision, said the loss of Zivcic was one of the most impactful moments of his career. He still carries his funeral card in his police forage cap.
Police Service Dog named Vee after the late Sgt. John Zivcic.
Then Inspector Anthony Paoletta said Zivcic’s legacy lives on in his love for his family, commitment to policing and his love for the South Etobicoke community.
City Councillor Stephen Holyday, who helped make the plaque a reality, joined in the ceremony where a police bagpiper played Amazing Grace, and Special Constable Steven Cooper sang Bring Him Home as Mounted Unit officers stood as an Honour Guard.