As reported yesterday, Halton Region’s first homicide victim of 2019 has been identified as longtime EMS dispatcher Laura Grant.
A number of sources in the paramedic and policing communities have identified Laura Grant as a dispatcher for the Mississauga Central Ambulance Communication Centre at Britannia and Kennedy roads.
This centre provides EMS dispatch to Peel Region and Halton.
Halton Police responded were called to the scene at 2244 No. 2 Side Road between Cedar Springs Road and Guelph Line sometime before 3 p.m. EST yesterday.
Early reports indicated Laura was found without vital signs in the backyard of the home and was later pronounced dead on scene.
Victim of Wednesday afternoon’s shooting in #BurlON has been identified by friends & colleagues as Laura Grant, an ambulance dispatcher with Mississauga CACC and a former paramedic with Halton/Mississauga District Ambulance Service. Condolences to all those affected. pic.twitter.com/vIdA7NKlIB
— DR (@Media371) August 22, 2019
Halton Homicide Det. Kevin Britton said in a release that Laura sustained traumatic injuries and in spite of all efforts to revive her, died at the scene.
Detective Britton confirmed a man was taken into custody in connection with the homicide.
Police would only say they believe the accused and victim knew each other but the man’s name and the charges he is facing have not yet been released.
The Peel Paramedic Union tweeted out the victim was well-known and liked.
On behalf of Mississauga ACC, we are grateful for everyone’s support of our Dispatch Family, those who knew Laura and the responders attending today’s events. We have no official statement at this time, as we grieve. Please contact Peer Support or EAP, if requiring assistance.
— OPSEU Paramedics/ACOs (@OPSEUAmbDiv) August 22, 2019
“It is with heavy hearts that we send our condolences to Mississauga CACC tonight,” the Union tweeted. “Always a phone call or mic click away, her loss is truly felt amongst our paramedics.”
The Mississauga Firefighters Association tweeted out words of support after hearing the news too.
“We would like to send our deepest condolences to our friends at the Mississauga Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC), Peel & Halton Paramedic Services,” the tweet said. “We are very sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with all of you.”
This is the second shooting in Burlington in two weeks with the other occurring on Aug. 10 on Maple Avenue.
No one was injured in that shooting but a number of shots were fired at the victim according to police.
The man responsible for the shooting and death of Laura Grant is in custody expected to be charged in homicide.
Wow saddest news of the year. RIP Laura