The Cobourg Police Service Board is extending its condolences following the recent line-of-duty deaths of Ontario Provincial Police Constable Tarun Bali and Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto.
In a statement released this week, Board Chair Adam Bureau said the loss of any police officer is felt throughout the policing community.
“These tragedies serve as a solemn reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice demonstrated every day by those who serve and protect our communities,” Bureau said.
The Board offered its sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of both officers, as well as members of the Ontario Provincial Police and Toronto Police Service.
The statement comes as police officers, emergency responders and dignitaries from across Ontario gather today in Mississauga for the funeral of Constable Bali.
The 29-year-old officer served with the OPP’s Dufferin Detachment and was deployed to the James Bay Detachment at the time of his death. Born in Punjab, India, Bali became a Canadian citizen and was known for his commitment to community service, including volunteer work with Peel Region Victim Services and the Sur-Taal Heritage Organization.
The funeral service is being held at the Mississauga Sports and Entertainment Centre and is being livestreamed through the OPP’s YouTube channel. Members of the public were also invited to observe the funeral cortege as it travelled from Thornhill to Mississauga Thursday morning.
While Constable Tarun Bali is being honoured at a police funeral in Mississauga on Thursday, funeral arrangements for Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto had not been publicly announced as of publication. A police procession was held June 14 to escort the fallen officer to a funeral home in Thornhill, and Toronto Police have said additional details will be released at a later date.
In its statement, the Cobourg Police Service Board said its thoughts remain with all those affected by the deaths of Constable Bali and Constable Pinizzotto.
The Board said the losses are being felt not only by family members and colleagues, but throughout Ontario’s broader policing community.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
