NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE-INNISFIL MP JOHN BRASSARD
BARRIE-SPRINGWATER-ORO-MEDONTE MP DOUG SHIPLEY
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We are deeply saddened by the murder of OPP Constable Grzegorz Pierzchala while on duty near Hagersville on Tuesday.
Sadly, once again our local community is grieving a tremendous loss, this time with the family and friends of Constable Pierzchala who graduated from St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Barrie.
Our sympathies go out to the officer’s family and friends, his OPP colleagues, and all first responders impacted by this horrific event.
Every day, our first responders risk their lives to keep us safe, and we sincerely thank them for their courage, dedication, and service to our community.
While this is a time for the family, community, and the first responder community to grieve and mourn, we share the anger being felt by so many who believe the murder of Officer Pierzchala could have been prevented.
As details are emerging about the criminal history of the accused, it’s not only fair to question but it’s right to question the leniency shown to criminals and to ask why someone with a violent criminal past and history of illegal gun crimes was given bail.
The increase in violent crimes in Canada and recent police killings point to broader societal problems, not the least of which is a growing lack of respect for the rule of law and the police officers we ask to enforce our laws.
Constable Pierzchala is the fourth officer to be killed while on duty in Ontario this fall and the fifth killed in Canada while on the job since mid-September.
A federal government charged with keeping Canadians, communities and our first responders safe must act to address the increase in violent crimes and criminal activity in cities and towns across Canada and stop putting the rights of criminals ahead of the duty to protect innocent victims.
To Constable Pierzchala’s loved ones, there’s nothing we can say to lessen your pain, but we know our community will rally to support you during this unbearably difficult time.
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