Retired police artist’s painting ‘Tarun’s Glow’ pays tribute to killed Brampton officer

A retired police officer and artist who uses paint to work through traumatic workplace scenes has paid tribute to Brampton’s Tarun Bali, a husband and OPP officer killed in the line of duty last week.

The piece is called “Tarun’s Glow,” and was painted by former Peel Regional Police Staff Sgt. Shawn McCowell – a retired officer with 30 years experience, including as a member of PRPs Peer Support Team. He’s also a member of the Police Artists of Peel, a group of past and present Peel Regional Police uniform and civilian artists who use their craft as a creative outlet for work-related stress and trauma.

The Ontario Provincial Police Association to honour said McCowell made the piece in the memory of Bali, who was struck by a vehicle last Tuesday in the northern Ontario town of Hearst, about 520 kilometres east of Thunder Bay.

The 29-year-old and two-and-a-half-year member of the OPP was born in Naya Nangal, a town in India about 358 kilometres north of New Delhi, but was raised in Brampton after his family emigrated from India.

A funeral was held for Bali in Mississauga on Thursday, and Bali’s wife, Komal Sharma Bali, said she spent hours poring over photos to hold onto memories of a spouse who always “came home with kindness,” despite the weight of his job.

“Tarun’s Glow”

Painted by Retired Peel Regional Police Staff Sergeant Shawn McCowell to honour the memory of OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali who was killed in the line of duty in Hearst, Ontario on June 9th, 2026. #heroesinlife pic.twitter.com/6q4fg0wZUg

— OPPA (OPP Association) (@OPPAssociation) June 17, 2026

The late officer’s father said the pain of losing a son is impossible to put into words, but he hoped those listening would come away with a deep respect for police officers. The family came to Canada in 2005, and Bali loved helping others and had dreamed of being a police officer since elementary school, his father said.

On Wednesday, Brampton City Council unanimously passed a motion put forward by Brown to rename a park to “serve as a lasting tribute to Officer Tarun Bali, honouring his dedication to protecting others and ensuring his legacy is remembered by the community.”

City staff have been directed to work with Bali’s family to identify a suitable location for the renaming.

Bali was the first of two Ontario police officers killed last week. Toronto Police Service Const. Marc Pinizzotto, who was born in Mississauga, was shot and killed on Thursday, and that city also plans to name a park in his honour.

– With files from The Canadian Press