February 22^nd, 2010

(Queen's Park) - Today in the Ontario Legislature, two Ottawa-area MPPs commemorated fallen officer Constable Eric Czapnik.

Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod, and Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi paid respect and tribute to Constable Czapnik who was tragically killed while on duty late December.

MacLeod and Naqvi thanked the community for their incredible outpouring of support, and the brave men and women who protect our safety everyday.

Constable Eric Czapnik, 51, a father of four had been with the Ottawa Police Force since April 2007.

Quotes:

"Constable Czapnik is remembered in homes across our City.  We think of him and his family.  We cherish his service and we pray for his peace." --- MPP Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton)

"Constable Czapnik is a true hero of our community, and an inspiration for us all.  He lived a life of service, and represents a shining example of the contribution that new Canadians make in our great society." --- MPP Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre)

Tribute the Late Constable Eric Czapnik

Members' Statement - MPP Lisa MacLeod

"Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13.

Mr. Speaker I am humbled and honoured to stand with my friend the Member for Ottawa Centre to pay tribute to a fallen police officer, Constable Eric Czapnik.

Eric was the oldest police recruit in the history of the Ottawa Police Services.

But it was as if he was destined to be a police officer and serve our tightly knit community.

Born in Warsaw Constable Czapnik immigrated to Canada in 1990.

He was everything we could have asked of a new Canadian.

In Ottawa, Eric worked at Johnson's Business Interiors then decided to follow in his father's footsteps- a 30 year police officer in Poland.

In 2007 Eric was assigned to the East Division in Ottawa.

Now he is among Canada's fallen police officers.

His loss still haunts us in Ottawa.  More than 8,000 people attended his funeral.  School children lined the streets, reminiscent of the Highway of Heroes.

Constable Czapnik is remembered in homes across the national capital.

We still think of him and his family.

We cherish his service and we pray for his peace.

The "Policeman's Prayer" eloquently says:

"When I start my tour of duty God, Wherever crime may be, as I walk the darkened streets alone, Let me be close to thee."

On behalf of Tim Hudak and the Official Opposition I offer our heartfelt condolences to the Czapnik family and particularly to Eric's wife Anna and his four children.