Dozens of Toronto Police officers and civilian employees are heading to the Big Apple.
Since last Friday, the Toronto Police Association has been collecting RSVPs to the invitation extended by the New York Police Department to march in the city's Pride parade, in uniform.
The offer came after Toronto officers were told they would be banned from marching in uniform here.
So far, 60 police officers and civilian employees with the Toronto Police Service have said they will accept the invite and head to New York City to march in that Pride parade on June 25th.
"This is not only exclusive to LGBTQ officers. Many officers that march in the parade and show up, well historically, at the Toronto parade would be there just to support the other officers that are part of that community," says association president Mike McCormack.
McCormack explains it'll be up to each officer and employee to pay their own way and logistics are being worked out. "It's about getting everyone together, making sure we've got rooms, getting everyone their transportation straightened away and all of that. I'm working with our members directly to secure that."
That number could grow. There is no deadline for officers or employees to RSVP. "The message is that our officers and members of the Toronto Police Service, the employees, would rather go somewhere where they can be proud to be part of the community, supporters of the community, and proud to be police officers and wear their uniform with pride," he adds.
When asked if he will be heading to NYC for the Pride parade, McCormack says, "Yeah, I'm going down! Yeah!"
The parade is June 25th, the same day as parade in Toronto. McCormack assures there will be no impact on security for the event here.