If you were casting a movie role for the head of a big city homicide squad, then Greg McLane would be the first guy you call in.
When he stood at that podium to update media on a big case, he had more presence than Clint Eastwood.
His knowledge, his perfectly tailored suit, his experience and his pure commitment to keeping Toronto safe was on full display.
But the highly-respected longtime Toronto Police officer and detective, who retired as a Staff Inspector in charge of the Homicide Unit in 2016, not only looked the part but defined it.
“Greg was a great cop,” said former Niagara Regional Police chief Jeff McGuire, who served with McLane at Toronto Police.
“He was truly one of the best,” added Toronto copper Tom Rataj.
Tributes like these are pouring in following the sad news that the 40-year cop, just nine years into his retirement, died at home with his family his side on Wednesday.
“Many of us worked with Greg during his time at the Toronto Police Service. He was a gentleman, a true professional, and he will be missed,” the Toronto Police Association said in a statement. “On behalf of the Toronto Police Association, we send our condolences to Greg’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
McLane was close to his family – his wife Anne, daughters Kimberly and Krystin, grandkids London and River, and siblings Heather and Jim.
But he had far too many friends to ever be able to list them all. If there was an election for top cop, he would have won the vote.
“May he rest in peace knowing that his legacy will shine on forever,” retired Homicide Det. Ray Zarb said.
McLane was selfless though. He was not looking for awards or pats on the back. He was looking to arrest bad guys. His goal was to catch killers. And he caught many.
The kid who grew up in the Cambridge area loved being a cop, like his two older brothers were.
“Being a police officer is such a huge part of my identity,” McLane told Chris Doucette in his exit interview feature when he retired from policing.
But he was proud he started from the bottom in the stables of the Mounted Unit.
“When I was a cadet, I was shovelling horse manure,” he told Doucette, thus enjoying the reality that he ended up “as the unit commander of the largest municipal homicide squad in the country,” which he thought was “kind of cool.”
This guy McLane was the ultimate of cool. Cool in presence, cool under pressure, and cool with whatever challenge they through at him. Whatever was happening, he wanted those who served under him to shine
“His legacy in law enforcement is one of leadership, dedication, and a commitment to justice,” a family obituary online states.
But away from the job, he loved his family, baseball and time on his boat in Georgian Bay.
“Known for his quick wit, infectious sense of humour, and captivating storytelling, Greg had a presence that lit up any room,” his family says. “He was the life of the party, always bringing laughter, warmth, and camaraderie to those around him.”
This is a big loss for his family as well as the city of Toronto and the policing community. This man saved a lot of lives.
Sadly he died way too young at 69. But he, and his contribution, will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace Greg McLane. You may not have been in the movies but you’re presence will be felt in them because you sure were a law enforcement star.