Daughter of Cst Andrew Hong, the officer killed in Mississauga, pens tribute

The daughter of Andrew Hong, the Toronto police officer shot and killed in Mississauga Monday afternoon, has penned a public tribute to her dad in the wake of his death.

Andrew Hong was on lunch break from training, eating alone at a Tim Hortons, when he was ambushed from behind. A gunman shot Hong, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Hong was a 22-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service. He was survived by two children, his wife and his parents. After Chief James Ramer confirmed Hong’s identity outpourings of grief came from all corners.

Political leaders and the law enforcement community all came out to share their condolences for the fallen officer. As Hong’s body was taken from the scene, officer lined the streets to watch over him.

Hong’s colleagues in the Motor Unit, which he “especially loved” to work in, escorted his body to the Coroner’s office in a large motorcade.

The Hong family released a statement the following day describing Hong as, “a man of steel on the outside with a warm teddy bear personality on the inside. His personality was larger than life. He loved his his police family and was so proud to be a member of the Toronto Police Service.”

Hong “was a practical joker and got along with everyone. His absence has left a gaping hole in the hearts of our family, the Police family and everyone who knew and loved Andrew.”

However perhaps the most moving tribute has come from Hong’s daughter Mia. In a lengthy Instagram post, Mia addressed her fallen father saying, “Dad I don’t even know where to begin.”

“There are so many things I wish I could share with you right now. You held our family together. You taught me how to drive, built my PC with me, taught me how to fish, took me out for ice cream everytime we ran errands and were my biggest fan.”

“You came to every sports game – even woke up early and took a three hour train ride to catch my last basketball tournament. At school everyone saw you in the bleachers at every game.”

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“I miss everything we shared. I miss the endless memes of cats, squirrels and bunnies in outr message chats.  I miss the random pictures you send me on duty.

“I miss messing up my baking recipes and you eating them anyway, I miss asking you for tech support, I miss calling you at night to ask when you’ll be home, I miss hearing you come up the stairs and knocking on my door, I miss making fun of your hair, I miss my driving instructor, I miss my role model, I miss you.”

“You were the best husband, father, and son we could have ever asked for. You gave me everything and were always so proud of me. I am so sorry this happened to you,” Mia said.

“You should be here right now. You should be asking me what I want for lunch tomorrow. You should’ve been the first person to say hi to me when I came home from school that day.”

“It should’ve never happened this way and I am so sorry you’re missing everything. But I know you’ll still be with me. You’ll see me turn 18, graduate, and go to university because I know it’s what you would’ve wanted.”

“We are all so proud to have known you. I am so grateful for everything you’ve done and so proud to call you Dad. You were truly a hero to all of us and will always be remembered that way. I’m doing my best to stay strong like you. I’ll make you so proud.”

“Your family misses you so much. I miss you more than I could ever say. Rest in peace Dad. I love you.”

Toronto Police will announce details of Hong’s funeral in the coming days.