FANTINO 'A HERO' FOR HIS ACTIONS: LAWYER

Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino and his police force should get kudos
for showing "courage" during the drug squad scandal, says the lawyer whose
letter helped start it. Edward Sapiano said yesterday that attacking
Fantino and the everyday Toronto Police officers is wrong.

"I want the public to understand that we have had some very positive
developments that should be recognized here, Sapiano said.

"I would say he is a hero for having the courage to allow for the exposure
of this alleged malfeasance," he said.

It must have been a difficult decision that Fantino made two years ago when
he initiated the RCMP-led probe that led to the arrests of six former
Central Field Command drug squad officers on Wednesday, Sapiano said.

"Let's not forget who he is up against ... the police code of silence and,
if the allegations are true, one of the most well-organized and well-armed
street gangs in the country."

But while Sapiano praises Fantino for his actions, he disagrees with
Fantino's assertion that there is no need for a public inquiry into the
scandal.

"He is ... dead wrong that this is isolated to the 10 officers who were
named," Sapiano said.

"I disagree with him ... but the truth will be out, one way or another."

Sapiano said he hopes federal prosecutors and the judiciary can show as
much courage as Fantino.