PETERBOROUGH-The flags at the Peterborough Police Service station are flying at half mast today as the service mourns the loss of a beloved and decorated police officer.
Constable John MacLeod was on vacation with his family on the east coast when he suddenly passed away on Monday, August 29th.
John received the Outstanding Police Officer Award in 2016 and was named one of the 20 Most Influential People In Peterborough. He is being fondly remembered by friends and colleagues.
“John was an ambassador to our Police Service and this is a huge loss to his family, the communities we Police and our Service.” Acting Police Chief Tim Farquharson told Kawartha 411 News. “The consummate example of a professional Community Police Officer, John connected with people, humble, kind and a considerate man. I never heard say a negative thing about another person. He came to work because he loved policing and contributed to this career with all his heart. I will miss him dearly not only as a colleague but as a trusted friend.”
Hundreds of comments poured in on social media after news of his death hit Facebook.
“So, so very sad.” said Shelia Ann Snowden “I worked with John. Such a sweet, caring and gentle man.”
“I knew John from way back in our college days. He was such a wonderful guy and I knew he would make a fantastic police officer (which he was). said Nicole Basciano Cooke.
“He was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him on community projects,” said Mary Babcock. “He lead by example and made a difference every day.”
Karen Basciano says he was one of the only officers who could connect with her son who is on the autism spectrum.
“He was always very kind and listened with a compassionate ear. A huge loss for our community and the police service.”
No official cause of death has been announced but according to family it appears it was “heart-related”. John leaves behind his wife Tania and daughter Ella Grayce.
Our condolences to his family and friends.
