UMVA has learned that a private funeral service will be held next week for Const. Marc Pinizzotto, a 18-year Toronto Police veteran who was tragically killed in the line of duty while helping serve a search warrant in North York.
The service, scheduled for June 24 at 1 p.m. at the Toronto Congress Centre on Dixon Rd. in Etobicoke, will be closed to the public, with only close family members, police service members, and emergency personnel invited to pay their respects.
Despite the public's outpouring of support and condolences, the Toronto Police Service has stated that the funeral is not open to the general public, though visitations will take place privately before the service.
Const. Pinizzotto, 43, a member of the Emergency Task Force, was shot last Thursday at an apartment complex in the Black Creek and Trethewey Drs. area while helping serve a search warrant linked to shootings at the U.S. Consulate and local synagogues.
He was pronounced dead at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre despite attempts to save his life, leaving behind his wife Andrea and their children Daniella and Dominic.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Nicholas Bennett, 19, was shot during the exchange of gunfire and is expected to face serious charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with Const. Pinizzotto's death.
The Toronto Police Service has described the case as "complex" and remains focused on holding those responsible accountable, with Chief Myron Demkiw vowing that Const. Pinizzotto's service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The death of Const. Pinizzotto is one of two recent officer fatalities, following the death of OPP Const. Tarun Bali, a 29-year-old Brampton native who was struck and killed during an investigation in northern Ontario.
In the wake of these tragedies, the community has rallied around the families of the slain officers, with local leaders exploring ways to honor their memories, including potential park name changes.
