TORONTO – A memorial service is underway in Toronto where police officers, dignitaries and members of the public have gathered to pay tribute to an officer who died in a crash while responding to a call.

Thousands of officers marched in a long procession to the memorial for Const. John Zivcic (ZIV’-chick), including members of the Toronto force, RCMP, provincial police and many other forces from throughout the province and beyond.

Bagpipes played as the 34-year-old officer’s casket was carried inside a packed hall at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Ontario Lt.-Gov. David Onley was among the first to pay tribute to Zivcic as a brave officer who gave his life in his service to the people of the province.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne also spoke, calling Zivcic “one of our best” who served “proudly and selflessly” as he took on the job of protecting the public.

Toronto police Chief Bill Blair described him as ” a very fine young man” who was generous and compassionate, adding that he donated his organs to others after his death.

Zivcic was responding to an emergency call about an impaired driver on Nov. 30 when his police cruiser collided with another vehicle.

He died of his injuries in hospital two days later.

The woman driving the other vehicle was treated for minor injuries.