Millions of people across the country are mourning with the family of Ottawa Police Const. Ireneusz (Eric) Czapnik, the province’s premier said at the slain officer’s funeral Thursday.
“On behalf of millions, I am here to tell you we are here for you and pray for you, and to tell you how much Eric’s story has touched us and moved us,” said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
McGuinty was one of dozens of dignitaries to attend the funeral at the Ottawa Civic Centre.
In addition to thousands of officers from all over North America, dignitaries in attendance included Polish Ambassador Designate Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysk; Ontario Lt.-Gov. David Onley; Mayor Larry O’Brien and city council; the commissioners of the RCMP and the OPP and the Archbishop of Ottawa.
“He was a good man, a man who loved his job, served his community and cared deeply for his family,” McGuinty said of Czapnik. “Constable Czapnik is a hero because of what he chose to do in life everyday,” McGuinty said.
“We will remember our hero.”
