The community is in mourning after two South Simcoe police officers were killed in the line of duty Tuesday night while responding to a call in Innisfil.
Messages of condolence have been pouring in all morning from local dignitaries and members of the policing community across the province.
At around 8 p.m., Oct. 11, officers responded to a disturbance at a home in the area of 25th Sideroad and 9th Line in the town of Innisfil.
Two officers were shot inside the home, according to police. The suspect was later pronounced deceased following an interaction with police.
The wounded officers were rushed to a local hospital by emergency run where one of them died. The second officer was airlifted to a Toronto trauma centre and succumbed to his injuries early Wednesday morning.
"The thoughts of OPP members are with the families (of) the two South Simcoe Police officers who died after an incident last night and will all members of the SouthSimcoePS. #HeroesInLife," OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrrique tweeted Wednesday morning.
"I'm heartbroken to learn that two @SouthSimcoePS officers were killed in the line of duty," tweeted Premier Doug Ford. "We are praying for the officers' families and all the police officers who put their lives on the line to protect our communities."
"Words cannot express my deep and profound sadness this morning. My thoughts are with the families of the officers and @SouthSimcoePS family. The days ahead will be difficult for everyone impacted by this tragedy and our community," tweeted Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard, who included the hash tag #heroesinlife.
"I'm devastated to hear the tragic news of the deaths of two @SouthSimcoePS officers, who dedicated their lives to protecting our communities," tweeted York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney. "My thoughts and prayers are with their families, and the entire South Simcoe Police Service team during this heartbreaking time."
"Devastated for our close friends and neighbours @SouthSimcoePS, and for a community in shock and mourning today," tweeted Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman. "As your next door neighbours, we're here to support both the Police service and the community of Innisfil however we can."
"I am devastated to learn that two @SouthSimcoePS have lost their lives fighting to protect our community and upholding the rule of law. I join our community in mourning the loss of both officers," tweeted Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey, who is also the province's attorney general.
"Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn two South Simcoe police officers killed in the line of duty last night. Our thoughts are with the officers’ families, friends and colleagues on this tragic day," tweeted Barrie police, also including the hash tag #heroesinlife.
South Simcoe police will be holding a news conference at Innisfil Town Hall at 1 p.m. for an update.
