4 years ago today...

Constable Morgan Russell serving with the South Simcoe Police Service

49 years ago today...

Sergeant Ronald E. McKean serving with the Collingwood Police

On the night of October 12, Sergeant McKean and his partner Constable Cliff Lipsett received information concerning an escapee from Warkworth Penitentiary, Gerald Chater. The report indicated that the escapee and a friend were seen loitering near the main entrance of the Anchor Inn. The friend was William Fredrick who had escaped from Collins Bay Maximum Security Federal Prison. He and Charter had committed a knife point robbery of the Collingwood Gas Station on October 10, 1977. Fredrick subsequently purchased a 12 gauge shotgun which he sawed off. They were waiting for a cab with the intent of commandering it and going to Peterbourough to commit more robberies. Upon arrival the officers decided to approach from different directions. Sergeant McKean arrived first and came face to face with the suspects, grabbed one with each hand by the scruff of the neck and began to walk them towards the cruiser. Charter broke away and fled and a scuffle took place with Fredrick who drew the shot gun from his pants, placed the muzzle against the Sergeant’s chest, pulled the trigger and killed him instantly. He then fled the scene and was arrested the next day.

98 years ago today...

County Constable Samuel James Vanstone serving with the Ontario County

While at home, Constable Vanstone witnessed a motor vehicle accident outside of his house. In a heavy rainstorm, he rushed outside to investigate and extricate the people trapped under the vehicle. As he crossed the road, his umbrella obscured the fact that the power lines were hanging down from the damaged pole and came into contact with his umbrella, electrocuting him to death.