There will be difficult days ahead as the Ottawa Police Service mourns the loss of a well-known officer and 22-year veteran who took his own life Sunday, Chief Charles Bordeleau told reporters.
Staff Sgt. Kal Ghadban, 43, was found dead in his office Sunday shortly after 1 p.m. at the city police headquarters on Elgin Street. Police believe he used his service-issued firearm to end his life.
Ghadban’s death comes on the same day of the Canadian Peace Officers’ Memorial in Ottawa. Hundreds of police and peace officers from across Canada and as far away the U.K. came to the capital to honour the five officers who lost their lives on the job this year. Flags outside Ottawa Police’s headquarters has been lowered to half-staff.
Ontario’s police watchdog has been called in to investigate Ghadban’s death.
The Special Investigations Unit is automatically brought in when someone dies as a result of police actions.
According to the Tema Conter Memorial Trust, Ghadban’s death is the 22nd suicide by an Ontario first responder since the end of April. The trust offers support for paramedics, police officers, firefighters, and members of the Canadian Forces who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
Agencies/Canadajournal
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