Toronto mourns as ‘invincible’ const. Marc Pinizzotto is laid to rest

Thousands gathered for an emotional funeral for fallen Toronto police officer Marc Pinizzotto on Wednesday.

The veteran constable was killed during a high-risk raid at an apartment building earlier this month.

Pinizzotto’s fellow officers along with his mother, brothers and children all praised him for his impact on their lives and his dedication to protecting others.

“Never in a million years did I think you’d pass away so soon, but I miss you so much … and the part that hurts me the most is that I won’t get to experience hugging you again or holding your hand again,” says Daniella Pinizzotto, his daughter.

“My dad inspired a lot of people, from hockey to kids, through his work. But most of all, he inspired me. And I want to be the same man that he was when I grow up and do the same job after my hockey career,” says Domenic Pinizzotto, his son.

Pinizzotto’s mother Linda also took a moment to touch her son’s coffin before telling the crowd about her boy, referring to him by his nickname “Pinner”.

“Marc is a hero. He stepped into policing with passion. He devoted himself to his training, perfecting his skills. For Marc, policing was not simply a career, it was a calling. It was his legacy,” Linda says.

The husband and father of two was a member of the elite Emergency Task Force (ETF). He was killed on June 11 while serving a warrant at a North York apartment.

WATCH MORE: WATCH: Friends, family pay respects at Toronto Const. Marc Pinizzotto’s funeral

The operation was part of a gun-for-hire investigation. Police say the network was responsible for dozens of shootings across the GTA, including an attack at the U.S. Consulate.

Pinizzotto’s brothers, Jason and Steve, also shared heartfelt tributes. The trio shared a deep passion for hockey, coaching children together across Oakville and Burlington.

“He was our brother and he loved hockey. Like so many Canadian kids, he grew up at the rink. Hockey wasn’t just a game to him, it was a part of who he was,” Jason says.

“You were more than a member of the ETF, you were more than a hockey player. You were our brother. You were our best friend and you are a hero,” Steve says.

The final tribute was delivered by Toronto’s ETF Team Two, honouring the officer who served with them on his last day.

“Marc was that guy. He made everyone better just by being around. So whether it was on the ice or on the lineup, Pinner was a rockstar. He was brave, disciplined and ultra reliable. To me, he was invincible,” says Sgt. Ken Lefort, who leads the ETF unit that Pinizzotto was assigned to.

Pinizzotto served with the Toronto police for 18 years.

He leaves behind his wife Andrea and 14-year-old twins Daniella and Domenic.

The 19-year-old who police say shot and killed Pinizzotto remains in hospital after being shot by police in response. He has been charged with first-degree murder.

WATCH MORE: Toronto police Const. Marc Pinizzotto killed in west end shooting