The OPP is providing support to colleagues of a veteran officer who died while on duty this week.
“It is a very challenging time for our members,” Sgt. Peter Leon said. “It is a very sad time for the OPP family itself.”
Det. Const. Dave Herrington died while on duty Thursday morning.
The Criminal Investigation Branch is conducting a death investigation, and the OPP is not providing further details on the death at this time.
Foul play is not suspected.
Leon said the OPP’s Critical Incident Stress Responders are offering support to staff at General Headquarters in Orillia, where Herrington was a member of the OPP’s Physical Surveillance Unit under the technical support branch.
“Certainly, the health and wellness of our employees is very, very important,” Leon added. “Obviously, when a situation like this does present itself, we do everything we can for our members and for the families of our members as well.”
Herrington had 25 years of service.
“Certainly, our thoughts are with the family, friends and, of course, his colleagues as well,” Leon said.
The OPP’s recently unveiled mental health strategy aims to ensure the well being of police and the communities they serve.
Ensuring supports are available in traumatic situations is an important part of that strategy.
“It is about dealing with our communities, our members and our families,” Leon said.
Grief counseling is also being provided to members of Orillia’s OPP detachment, said Insp. Pat Morris.
“Mental health is a big concern of ours, and it’s a priority for us, and so we do provide grief counseling through our employee assistance program,” Morris said. “And we provide critical incident assistance, too, when officers respond to any number of calls that could have an impact on them.”
Many staff at the detachment knew Herrington, Morris noted.
“Our employees are saddened by the loss, and for sure some people knew him personally and knew his family,” Morris added. “It hits home because he is a fellow police officer.”
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