One of the most recognizable faces in policing in the Lower Mainland was the victim of a fatal head-on crash in Nanaimo this weekend.
Retired Sgt. Shinder Kirk was a prominent officer, working as a long-time spokesperson of the Abbotsford Police Department and then the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia.
He was the spokesperson during a time of active gang violence in the Lower Mainland and would make frequent television news appearances speaking about the gang war involving the Bacon Brothers, Red Scorpions and the United Nations gang.
He retired as a police officer but was stationed in the APD as a Commissionaire.
Abbotsford police told CTV News Kirk died in a crash in Nanaimo Saturday afternoon.
The collision happened around 2 p.m. on Cedar Road.
Mounties said two pickup trucks crashed into each other. Two people in Kirk's vehicle had to be airlifted to hospital.
A fatal crash in #Nanaimo has left at least one person dead. BC Coroners Service attended the scene of this head on collision between 2 pickup trucks. Awaiting more details from RCMP @CTVNewsVI pic.twitter.com/VstpJu5OCA
— Andrew Garland (@CTVNewsAndy) December 23, 2018
Two people in the other truck were not injured.
The BC Coroners Service was called to the scene. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
People took to social media to pay tribute to Kirk.
Shinder Kirk was a professional, dedicated, and passionate about making our communities safe from gang violence. The thoughts of all of us at the CFSEU-BC go out to Shinder’s family and those who knew Shinder at this tragic time. We will miss him.
— Sgt Brenda Winpenny (@CfseuMRO) December 24, 2018
Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of retired @AbbyPoliceDept, Sgt. Shinder Kirk. We are thinking of you.
— Ridge Meadows RCMP (@RidgeRCMP) December 23, 2018
My heart is with everyone grieving the loss of retired Abbotsford police officer Shinder Kirk. He was a warm & caring man, dedicated to fighting gang violence, & a much admired leader in the South Asian community. My condolences to his family, friends & Abbotsford Police force.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) December 24, 2018
Sgt.Shinder Kirk was a leader in gang prevention and intervention. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. https://t.co/KJGdYdlRsn
— CFSEU-BC Gang Intervention Team (@CFSEU_GIT) December 24, 2018
A familiar face to so many. Shinder Kirk was a gentleman who would go out of his way to help anyone. I particularly remember his kindness to me when I was starting out as a young reporter. RIP. https://t.co/6LyZzbCoUm
— Nafeesa Karim (@nafeesakarim) December 23, 2018
