Victoria police officer passes away after more than 30 years in a coma

Victoria police officer passes away after more than 30 years in a coma
CHEK

Const. Ian Jordan had been in a coma since 1987. File photo.

Const. Ian Jordan had been in a coma since 1987. File photo.

A Victoria police officer who has been in a coma since a collision in 1987 has passed away.

Const. Ian Jordan was seriously injured in an on-duty collision on Sept. 22, 1987, Victoria police said. He remained unconscious until he passed away on Wednesday night.

Jordan was responding to a potential break-and-enter in progress on Fort Street when his vehicle collided with another VicPD car at Douglas and Fisgard streets more than 30 years ago.

Police said Jordan had been at headquarters (then on Fisgard Street) as he was supposed to be on his way home.

Jordan was 35-years-old at the time of the crash. The officer who was in the other vehicle, Sgt. Ole Jorgensen, suffered a serious injury in the collision. Jorgensen has since retired.

Jordan’s widow Hilary Jordan said that his death was unexpected, but that it had always been in the back of her mind that he could pass at any time.

“I’m very sad but for Ian’s sake I’m relieved because his 30-year struggle is over and he’s at peace. I know he’s in a good place because he was a very good person,” she said.

“I just want Ian to be remembered as the kind compassionate person that he was and for his dedication to the Victoria Police Department and the general population in Victoria.”

After the crash, Victoria police created a “trauma team,” which was the forerunner of the current Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. The team is used to assist VicPD officers and other staff after traumatic incidents.

“It’s been a long journey, it’s been very difficult for the family,” Victoria Police Chief Del Manak said.

“It’s also been very difficult on the men and women in the Victoria Police Department.”

A VicPD plaque was installed in Jordan’s hospital room last year.

VicPD are planning a funeral with full police honours. Details will be announced at a later date. Jordan also leaves behind his son Mark.

Const. Ian Jordan and his wife Hilary. Submitted.

Const. Ian Jordan and his wife Hilary. Submitted.

Const. Ian Jordan and his wife Hilary. Submitted.

Hilary Jordan with their son Mark. Submitted.

 

 

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