News >> Browse Articles >> Crime News
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.
Other Top News:
- FBI, Seattle PD Join Manhunt in Alaska After Ambush
- Firefighter Resigns After Police Prank
- Okla. Officer Shot, Driver Killed After Chase
- Video: LE Exploring Program: L.A. County Sheriffs Department
JeffRoe
over 3 years ago
6 Comments
God bless Constable Czapnik, his family, his co-workers, and the EMT's who tried to save his life.
gunnerv1
over 3 years ago
120 Comments
Too bad Canada doesn't have a death penalty. I can't think of a more deserving perp.
Anonymous
over 3 years ago
http://www.commentsbar.com/getcode.php?ID=31994&filename=KJBcOlTs31...&
pubID=11&pb=1&lib=15&bc=0&c=friendship&sort_by=top&sb=CT2398341
Dear Const.Eric Czapnik,This is me again I just had to send you a Angel some how I hope I pasted it right.God Bless You.
ryanslusser
over 3 years ago
26 Comments
Did I read that correctly, a RCMP officer did this horrible attack? What is going on in the world? My prayers go out to Const. Czapnik, his family, and department. RIP
etoyoc
over 3 years ago
12 Comments
Be at peace brother. The job is hell enough as it is. To be stalked and attacted by our own.....it's a sin to even have to think about that sick reality. I hope all Fire and EMS see this article. These Medic's are hero's. WE ARE ALL IN THIS SERVICE TOGETHER and need to be OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS KEEPER! Too many these days don't know that concept and need teaching. This group obviously embraces that concept. I Salute the Medics for a job well done above and beyond.......and we heaviness of heart I Salute Constable Czapnik at his greatest final sacrifice. Peace be with you.
RK3178
over 3 years ago
12 Comments
RIP Constable, you and your familiy will be in prayers. The Paramedics in this account are surely heroes and should be commended as such.
jpegee
over 3 years ago
268 Comments
how can another officer kill their brother. R.I.P. Eric Czapnik
JJHenry
over 3 years ago
10 Comments
RIP Constable Eric Czapnik.
BTrooper
over 3 years ago
70 Comments
RIP, Brother. Thank you to the paramedics, you were so brave.
Anonymous
over 3 years ago
RIP Const.Eric Czapnik,as I read your story my heart sank for you, who only thought were for others.May God Bless You and Your Family,Always & Forever.There was no since for this since-less death to you,for what I ask myself.My Prayers are with You and Your Loved ones.I will light a candle as this is for you and the others who have died for us,in the line of duty.
ppc
over 3 years ago
188 Comments
RIP Constable Czapnik thank you for your years of service. Our thoughts are with your family and fellow LEO's. To the Paramedics who pulled the POS off the Czapnik,disarmed and restrained and attented to Czapnik, you have all of our praise and grattitude. we all must work together to survive and get the JOB done.
Tiger5125
over 3 years ago
6 Comments
He should burn in hell for that. What happened to his honor? Oh, wait! I guess he was suspended for not having any. How could you do such a thing to a fellow conrade?
May your soul rest in peace Const. My condolences to the family.
dma0771
over 3 years ago
132 Comments
There is special level in hell for one of our own to kill a brother in law enforcement. Atleast when he is in prision he will not be famous for killing a cop unlike others he will have to hide becasue he was a cop. I hope he lives for a long time in prison and realy suffers.
babybluu36
over 3 years ago
26 Comments
RIP Const. Czapnik! My thoughts & prayers are with the family. PRAISES to the EMT's who risked their lives! All of ya'll are always in my prayers!!
Bmac1775
over 3 years ago
210 Comments
May his soul rest in heaven!