Canada’s four largest police unions have joined forces to search for solutions to confront what they call the “growing wave of violence against police” following the recent shooting death of an OPP officer in Haldimand County.
Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala, 28, was fatally shot after responding to a vehicle in the ditch west of Hagersville on Dec. 27.
The death of the rookie officer – the fifth Canadian police officer killed in the line of duty since September – has prompted calls for action from police, politicians and the public.
One of two people charged in Pierzchala’s death, Randall McKenzie, 25, was on bail at the time of the shooting facing gun-related charges and was under multiple weapons bans, court records show.
The Canadian Police Association, the Police Association of Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police Association and the Toronto Police Association released a joint statement on Friday pledging to take action to safeguard police officers.
“As four of Canada’s largest police associations representing more than 60,000 members, we are saying today what we are sure most Canadians are feeling: Enough is enough,” the unions said in a statement. “We cannot allow the deaths of five of our members to go unchallenged. Instead, we can and must honor their sacrifice by identifying the issues that led to this unacceptable wave of violence.”
The associations will review the judicial and public safety frameworks, commit to further research to fully understand the best solutions, identify what isn’t working and call for changes.
“Everything will be on the table – from bail to sentencing, to enhancing Crime Stoppers, to a growing and chronic shortage of police officers,” the unions said, adding they’ll consult with their members, communities and citizens.
“Our members need to be safe. Our communities need to be safe. The system needs to change. And it needs to change now.”
Mourners gathered on Jan. 4 for Pierzchala’s funeral in Barrie, his hometown, where he was remembered as a dedicated police officer who loved protecting his community, enjoyed art and was at home in the outdoors.
“I think what really separated him from others were his high standards for everything in his life,” Michal Pierzchala said of his brother. “He made you want to be a better person. He made you want to make your own life better and I can’t think of a better influence someone can have than that.”
Pierzchala, who was stationed in the OPP’s Haldimand County detachment for just over a year, had just learned he’d passed his 10-month probation on the day he died.
The rookie officer was wearing a body camera at the time of his death, and experts say the footage from the device will be crucial evidence at the trials of his two accused killers.
McKenzie and Brandi Crystal Lyn Stewart-Sperry, 30, are charged with first-degree murder. Both remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court next on Jan. 17.
Court records show McKenzie was released on bail on June 27 after spending nearly six months in custody after Hamilton police arrested him a year ago. He was arrested on Dec. 1, 2021, and charged with a dozen offences, including assault with a weapon, assaulting a peace officer, assault, possession of a firearm without a licence, carrying a concealed weapon, mischief and possession of counterfeit money.
The weapon involved was a handgun with its serial number removed.
McKenzie was under a pair of weapons bans imposed by judges in 2016 and 2018, court documents state.
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