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Slain Officer's Last Words to EMTs: 'Thank You'
The National Post via YellowBrix
January 11, 2010
OTTAWA – As Constable Eric Czapnik lay dying from a mortal knife wound to the throat, he spoke two final and poignant words to his paramedic rescuers.
The patrolman had been writing case notes inside his cruiser, parked outside the emergency department of The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus, when a man approached and attacked him with a knife.
Four paramedics, none yet publicly identified, ran from the emergency room to help. It wasn’t until a male paramedic grabbed the attacker in a headlock from behind, that they realized the assailant had a knife.
As the attacker tried to reach around and stab the male paramedic, a petite female paramedic wrestled the weapon from his hand. A second female paramedic kicked him in the groin, and all three wrestled him to the ground. Another female paramedic attended to Const. Czapnik.
As he lay dying from the random attack, Const. Czapnik, 51, uttered his last words to the paramedics, according to police sources.
“Thank you,” he said.
That his very final act was an expression of gratitude to others is a powerful testament of a man who, as his mourners heard last week, cared deeply about others and about this community.
The first police officers to arrive on the scene found the suspect restrained with Const. Czapnik’s handcuffs, sitting in the back seat of his cruiser.
None of the paramedics were physically injured. But the incident is reviving debate whether paramedics should wear body armour and possibly even carry arms of some sort.
Kevin Gregson, 43, an RCMP officer on suspension from the force since 2006, is charged with first-degree murder. His next court appearance is on Jan. 19.
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jameslopey
over 3 years ago
56 Comments
I echo those comments made by previous posts. Obviously Eric was an excellent officer, father and husband. He obviously loved his job. Hopefully the brotherhood of those who risk their lives daily and who have expressed their remorse-- will be of some comfort to Eric's family. I recall another college friend who years ago was attacked and killed by a hatchet wielding cop hater while he himself was doing paperwork in his patrol unit. He too was a great guy. God bless our Canadian brothers and Eric's family. I also applaud the paramedics. They are truly deserving of our graditude.
Ahi
over 3 years ago
1990 Comments
R.I.P. prayers to your family and friends.
Congratulations on a job well done by the paramedics!
357magnum
over 3 years ago
406 Comments
I want to say "Thank you" to those who came to assist and save a brother of the badge. I only wish you would have taken the same knife and cut the attackers throat leaving him on the sidewalk till he started stinking. I pray that God accept this brother into His Kingdom and for comfort for the family and friends of this fallen brother. Thank you, my brother, for your service and dedication. Your end of watch came much too soon.
Bronze77
over 3 years ago
34 Comments
RIP my brother in blue! my heart goes out to this fine officer and his family. I also want to say thank you to all the EMT's out there. I will always remember the times I have been hurt on the job, and having you rush me to the hospital and taking care of me and my fellow brothers and sisters in blue! as for the scumbag who did this may you rot in hell!!!
LAWMANTUKES
over 3 years ago
6558 Comments
"Thank You.."
First I would like to say "Thank You" to this brave and fine warrior of peace. I would like to express my deepest gratitude, appreciation for your faithful and dedicated service to the community as a true lawman of the blue. And of-course my deepest heartfelt condolences to your family, friends and your Department. Officer Czapniks, I hope and pray that you find peace with GOD the FATHER and forever abide in his Kingdom with JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SAVIOR..A'men. And as for the former RCMP Officer: Out of sheer respect for those of us who still wear the symbol of Peace, Safety, Protection of the weak and innocent, Dedication to the war against crime and kaos...That symbol being the BADGE...!!! And the shield of GOD's WARRIORS in blue..., I can not find the words that can describe how I feel about you and your very ugly deed of evil.....
Sheeran13
over 3 years ago
56 Comments
is it becoming a fad to kill officers.....its just like young mothers killing their children.....all of a sudden everyones doing it.....
trooperman911
over 3 years ago
2448 Comments
Kevin Gregson, an RCMP Officer??? How could anyone that ever wore a uniform commit to such an act as this...attacking and killing a brother in blue? You are one pathetic coward and vengeance is mine saith the Lord! I pray that you get all the vengeance one has coming to them Kevin Gregson.
My Sincere condolences and sympathy go out to: Constable Eric Czapniks family, friends and those that worked with him. May God comfort and render peace in this time of the untimely death of such a man that would breathe his last words to thank those that would lay their lives on the line to capture and take into custody this scumbag that could never begin to know the wrong he could commit to an LEO.
If you wear a uniform, you are a target in our society today, and it would be wise to train even paramedics in self defense, firearms safety, use and qualification, therefore allowing them to arm themselves for such acts of violence in their presence. My Thumbs Down applies to the fact that a suspended officer would do such a heartless act against a brother LEO. God bless.
station_100_2003
over 3 years ago
552 Comments
It is so nice to see that even paramedics will put there life on the line to stop a person from attacking again. He didn't even think before he did what he did. The officer knew what he did for him and with his dying breath Thanked him. This makes me cry. God has a special place for this officer. May he rest in peace.
johnwstaff
over 3 years ago
2 Comments
Sad Situation, Horrific Assault, Great response by Paramedics, God be with Constable Czapniik, may Justice be served on Earth and in Heaven! JWS
Ralphwhp
over 3 years ago
4 Comments
From the Arresting Souls MC in Connecticut, Our hearts go out to the family of Constable Czapnik and the Ottawa Police in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
KB3MMX
over 3 years ago
136 Comments
RIP Constable Czapnik, god be with your family and thanks for your service.
Great job to the paramedics for disarming and detaining "suspect" Kevin Gregson, SCUMBAG !
Throw the book at him !!
GMEN48
over 3 years ago
16 Comments
RIP BROTHER I UNDERSTAND WHY A FEW STATES HAVE ONE OFFICER IN A CAR BUT MY THING IS THIS IF IT'S VIOLENT OUT THERE WHY NOT HAVE TWO OFFICERS IN A CRUISER I'M JUST SAYING.
nygbabe
over 3 years ago
4 Comments
Another tragic loss,i hope they dont do it in Canada like we do in colorado, we have had cop killers on death row for years, using our money and air!!!
tom_mcmullen06
over 3 years ago
22 Comments
it seems like law enforcement officers all over the world are being assaulted and or killed. there has been 7 attacked here in washington state in the past 3 months.
steelnpearls
over 3 years ago
290 Comments
huh? it was a suspended RCMP that did this???? what is wrong with people????
Const..Czapnik is a prince among men and may God keep him in peace now.