Ontario Police Memorial Foundation

DETAILS: On May 29, 2023, Detective Constable Tourangeau was driving an unmarked force vehicle when he was involved in a motor vehicle collision and collided with a school bus. Tragically, Detective Constable Tourangeau died of his injuries. Sadly, a member of the public also perished in this collision.

May, about 2 years ago...

Sergeant

Eric Mueller

OPP

May 11th, 2023

DETAILS: Eric was promoted to Sgt in July 2018 and transferred to the Russell County detachment in Embrun. Eric was tragically killed in the line of duty on May 11th 2023 when he encountered an armed man in Bourget.

December, about 3 years ago...

Provincial Constable

Greg Pierzchala

OPP

December 27th, 2022

DETAILS: On December 27, 2022, Provincial Constable Greg Pierzchala (age 28) was shot and killed when responding to a call of a motor vehicle in a ditch west of Hagersville, Ontario.

Provincial Constable Pierzchala began his career with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on May 20, 2019, as a Special Constable with the Queen's Park OPP Detachment. On September 7, 2021, he was hired as a recruit with the OPP, fulfilling his long-time dream of becoming a police officer.

Colleagues describe Provincial Constable Pierzchala as the officer everyone wanted to work with. He was known as someone with a big heart, and this reflected in his work with the community. He was an accomplished athlete, holding a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Karate. In high school, he participated in soccer, swimming, wrestling, rowing and track and field. He competed in varsity wrestling and was an Academic All-Canadian. He was also fluent in Polish.

Provincial Constable Pierzchala leaves behind his parents, Jan and Janina, and three siblings, Chris, Michal and Justyna.

November, about 5 years ago...

Constable

Marc Hovingh

OPP

November 19th, 2020

DETAILS: On November 19, 2020, Provincial Constable Marc Hovingh (age 52), a 28-year veteran of the OPP, responded to a call in the woods near Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island following a complaint of a suspect squatting on another person's property.

The suspect had illegally cleared a road with a bulldozer and parked a 23-foot camper trailer on the property. Provincial Constable Hovingh and another officer attended the property and asked the suspect to leave. He agreed to vacate the property the following day. As the officers were leaving, they discovered the illegal cultivation of cannabis adjacent to the camper trailer and they returned to the trailer to arrest the suspect that same day.

The suspect was asked to exit his locked trailer; however, he refused. The officers gained entry into the trailer, and Provincial Constable Hovingh went inside to arrest him. The suspect fired three rounds at Provincial Constable Hovingh from a shotgun. Even though he was shot twice, Provincial Constable Hovingh heroically managed to return fire, fatally striking the suspect and eliminating the threat to other officers and civilians who were present.

Tragically, Provincial Constable Hovingh succumbed to his injuries. Provincial Constable Hovingh’s selfless acts of bravery, courage and ultimate sacrifice not only saved the lives of his partner and the nearby civilian witnesses, but potentially saved the lives of the many other responding officers due to the further weapons and explosives caches later located in the trailer and around the property.

March, about 15 years ago...

Constable

Vu D. Pham

OPP

March 8th, 2010

DETAILS: Ontario Provincial Constable Vu Pham, 37, a 15-year veteran of the force, died on March 8, 2010. He was responding to a domestic call and was shot after he pulled over a suspect in a vehicle on a country road in Huron County, north of London.

July, about 16 years ago...

Constable

Alan Hack

OPP

July 6th, 2009

DETAILS: Provincial Constable Alan Hack was a member of the Elgin County OPP and was just 31 years of age when he died after the cruiser he was in collided with an asphalt truck outside of Rodney near London.

November, about 19 years ago...

Constable

David Mounsey

OPP

November 13th, 2006

DETAILS: Constable David Mounsey, died a month after his cruiser struck a hydro pole in Huron County. The incident occurred as Mounsey was responding to a truck rollover on Harrison Road, west of Wroxter. As he traveled along Brussels Line, his cruiser went off the paved part of the road, striking a hydro pole. The weather was near whiteout conditions at times with snow blowing in off Lake Huron. He was transported to London Health Sciences Centre by air ambulance with life threatening injuries. On November 13, 2006 he succumbed to his injuries at the Clinton Public Hospital.

July, about 20 years ago...

Constable

Andrew J. Potts

OPP

July 20th, 2005

DETAILS: Shortly after 2:00 a.m. on the morning of July 20, 2005, two Bracebridge OPP officers were dispatched to a domestic dispute call west of Bala. The two officers in a marked OPP cruiser were travelling westbound on Muskoka Road 169 when they were involved in a collision with a moose crossing the roadway. After striking the animal, the cruiser came to rest in the south ditch. The weather was foggy and the moose was on the roadway at the time of the collision. Constable Potts was driving the cruiser and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

November, about 21 years ago...

Constable

Michael J.A. Siydock

OPP

November 26th, 2004

DETAILS: Ontario Provincial Police Constable Michael Siydock passed away while on duty on November 26, 2004. Constable Siydock was the first officer to respond to a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 401 near Milton. A vehicle had rolled down a steep embankment and the occupants of the vehicle were trapped. Constable Siydock made every effort to aid the victims and in doing so suffered a major heart attack and died while on duty. He was a seven year veteran and is survived by a wife and three children.

May, about 21 years ago...

Constable

Tyler L. Boutilier

OPP

May 23rd, 2004

DETAILS: Constable Boutilier was responding to an Emergency Response Team call out. He was traveling on Highway 15 near Seeley Bay in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, when a vehicle heading southbound pulled out to pass other traffic. The female driver failed to pull back into her own lane hitting the cruiser sending it into the ditch. Cst. Boutilier died in Kingston hospital from his injuries.

September, about 22 years ago...

Constable

John P. Flagg

OPP

September 20th, 2003

DETAILS: Constable Flagg, of the Kingston RIDE Unit was killed when his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck during a high-speed pursuit near Almonte, Ontario. John Arthur Barry, a career criminal, led police on a wild 40-minute chase in a stolen Jeep, covering more than 75 km and reached speeds of 140 km/h. He was passing vehicles on the right, drove across sidewalks and the centre line and raced through red lights in Smiths Falls before being spotted by an OPP helicopter. Constable Flagg, hearing the chase on the police radio while he was at the Ontario Ploughing Match near Carleton Place, gave chase on his motorcycle. After running over a spike belt placed by Ottawa Police on March Rd., the stolen Jeep crossed the centre line and collided with a pickup truck driven by retired Ottawa Police Sgt. Robert Smith. The collision sent Smith's truck spinning into the path of Flagg's motorcycle, killing the officer instantly.

May, about 22 years ago...

Constable

Philip R. Shrive

OPP

May 23rd, 2003

DETAILS: On May 16th 2003 Constable Shrive was on radar patrol, westbound on Hwy #17 between Storyland Rd. and Bruce St. in Horton Twp. when he attempted to make a "U" turn. A tractor trailer following the cruiser collided into the driver's door of the cruiser. Phil was taken to "hospital in Renfrew, then airlifted to hospital in Ottawa. He died seven days later from his injuries.

June, about 25 years ago...

Sergeant

Margaret J. Eve

OPP

June 9th, 2000

DETAILS: Sgt. Eve and two other officers who were also injured in the crash, were questioning the occupants of a vehicle they had just stopped, when a tractor trailer travelling east on the highway barrelled into the 3 parked cruisers.

December, about 26 years ago...

Constable

James C. McFadden

OPP

December 31st, 1999

DETAILS: Cst. McFadden was operating moving radar on Hwy #401 in the Chatham area. He had a Michigan vehicle stopped and was writing a ticket when a vehicle struck his cruiser from behind at over 150 kmph. The force of the impact drove his cruiser into the rear of the Michigan car crushing the cruiser from both ends. Jim died from his injuries on New Years Eve.

September, about 26 years ago...

Constable

Charles Mercier

OPP

September 30th, 1999

DETAILS: Cst. Mercier was working a paid duty at the base of the Garden City Skyway bridge. He was parked in his fully marked OPP cruiser half on the shoulder and half on the grass with all emergency lights activated. The right hand lane of the bridge was closed for repairs and the cruiser was needed to slow down the speed of traffic during the rush hour periods. The driver of a large cube truck was Niagara bound in the left hand lane when the driver fell asleep and crossed the middle active lane onto the shoulder striking Cst. Merciers cruiser. Chuck died from his injuries.

December, about 27 years ago...

Constable

Keith A. Badger

OPP

December 9th, 1998

DETAILS: Cst. Badger was operating his unmarked cruiser when he entered a curve and lost control due to road conditions, crossed the centre line and was struck by an on-coming vehicle. He died at the scene.

May, about 28 years ago...

Constable

Thomas P. Coffin

OPP

May 31st, 1997

DETAILS: Constable Coffin was relaxing at the Commodore Hotel in Penetanguishene with other officers after completing his shift. While seated at the bar a person came up behind him and shot him in the head with a handgun. Constable Coffin died at the scene. His assailant then left the bar and was arrested later by the OPP Tactical Team.

April, about 29 years ago...

Constable

Michael W. Gula

OPP

April 2nd, 1996

DETAILS: While on patrol on the Queen Elizabeth Way Constable Gula stopped behind another OPP cruiser on the shoulder of the multi lane highway. While standing at the driver's window of the second cruiser he was struck by sport utility truck crushing him between the cruiser and the hit and run truck. His body fell into the active lane of traffic. His coworker dragged him off the road and radioed for help. Constable Gula died from his injuries.

May, about 30 years ago...

Constable

Kenneth Y. Roy

OPP

May 23rd, 1995

DETAILS: PC Roy was killed May 23, 1995 while involved in a single motor vehicle accident while on patrol in South Porcupine.

October, about 32 years ago...

Constable

Jean J. A. Desforges

OPP

October 24th, 1993

DETAILS: Richard Jean and Alain Desforges were partners in policing. Al had been with the OPP for four years when he was selected to be Rick's coach officer.

Al Desforges was born on February 20, 1963. He attended the University of Ottawa and graduated with a double major in psychology and criminology, receiving a bachelor's degree in social science.

Alain had an overwhelming concern for his family and his wife reflects that he was a warm and sensitive man who was very easygoing. His fellow workers remarked upon his infectious laugh that would draw anyone in earshot into a round robin of chuckles.

Richard Jean was born on September 8, 1970. He attended the Hon. W.C. Kennedy Collegiate in Windsor and then went on to the University of Windsor. He did an undergraduate degree there in social sciences with a diploma in criminology.

Rick joined the OPP on March 29, 1993. He was very athletic and maintained a high standard of physical fitness.

The coach officer with four years' experience and the rookie with seven months on the job were out on the road policing the village of Casselman on October 24, 1993. They were responding to a call to assistance when for a reason that no one knows, the cruiser with roof lights flashing suddenly crossed the path of an eastbound VIA rail train while the level crossing signals were activated. Both officers died on the tracks of head and chest injuries.

October, about 32 years ago...

Constable

Richard M. Jean

OPP

October 24th, 1993

July, about 32 years ago...

Constable

Richard E. Nystedt

OPP

July 3rd, 1993

DETAILS: PC Nystedt and his partner Constable Mike Landry were dispatched to an assault/domestic complaint at a cottage in the area of Furnace Falls, Snowdon Township, Haliburton County. During a search for a suspect in the woods Constable Nystedt was attacked and stabbed in the leg. He later died from his wound.

May, about 33 years ago...

Constable

Andrew B. Gordon

OPP

May 3rd, 1992

DETAILS: PC Gordon accompanied by Constable Larry Yuen were operating a marked cruiser on Highway 62 approximately 20 kilometers north of Madoc. The officers were enroute to the Village of Marmora to investigate a minor hit and run accident. A northbound vehicle traveling an estimated speed of 130 km/h suddenly veered into the southbound lane and struck the cruiser. Constable Gordon was fatally injured. Constable Yuen received serious injuries but survived. Both occupants of the northbound vehicle were killed.

July, about 34 years ago...

Sergeant

Thomas J. Cooper

OPP

July 25th, 1991

DETAILS: Sgt. Cooper and Constable Kevin Orchard responded to a Firearms complaint on the Grassy Narrows Indian Reserve. When they arrived, Sgt. Cooper went to the door where he was struck in the head by a single bullet, killing him instantly. Constable Orchard went to Sgt. Coopers aid but was fired upon and forced to retreat to his cruiser. Orchard was then hit in the chest. The suspect then fled into the bush. Constable Orchard made his way to a neighbour, Luke Petiquan who cared for him until officers arrived and he was evacuated by helicopter. Twenty seven (27) hours later a group of officers collecting evidence at the crime scene were fired on. Constable Bill Olinyk was struck in the chest. He was wearing body armour but the bullet entered between the panels on his side.

January, about 36 years ago...

Constable

John R. Gregovski

OPP

January 4th, 1989

DETAILS: PC Gregovski was killed January 4, 1989 when a tractor trailer hit his cruiser while he was assisting a disabled van in the westbound lanes of the QEW at the base of the Garden City Skyway Bridge. The cruiser was parked behind the disabled van in the right hand lane of the 3 lane highway with all roof lights activated. The driver of the disabled van was in the rear seat of the cruiser when the tractor trailer hit the cruiser pushing it into the disabled van and further up the Skyway Bridge. Both the officer and the driver of the disabled van were killed.

March, about 39 years ago...

Corporal

Maurice R. Leavoy

OPP

March 28th, 1986

DETAILS: On March 26, 1986 Cpl. Leavoy attended at the Shaftbury Steak House in Little Current for a disturbance call. He was with Cst. Mitchell. Cst. Mitchell attempted to arrest a male person who began to resist. Cpl. Leavoy assisted with the arrest. A struggle ensued which continued until back-up arrived to assist with the arrest and removal of the man. Upon their return to the Detachment, Cst. Mitchell noticed Cpl. Leavoy was in obvious pain. He was taken to hospital and two days later he died.

February, about 39 years ago...

Constable

Randall F. Skidmore

OPP

February 14th, 1986

DETAILS: Constable Skidmore was operating an OPP Dodge Ram Charger truck, on his way to investigate an accident. On Highway 503 north of Kirkfield he lost control and entered the east ditch and struck a rock face. He died at the scene from severe head injuries.

August, about 40 years ago...

Constable

Donald C. Campbell

OPP

August 3rd, 1985

DETAILS: Constable Campbell was on patrol in a cruiser operated by Constable W.J. O Sullivan. The officers drove eastbound on Highway 9 to assist other units involved in a high speed chase. The Constable driving made a U turn on the highway to prepare for the approaching suspect vehicle. Unknown to him at the time, the vehicle was driving westbound at a high speed with no lights on. The westbound suspect vehicle struck the cruiser on the passenger side, fatally injuring PC Campbell as well as two other passengers in the suspect vehicle.

June, about 40 years ago...

Constable

Richard J. McLaughlin

OPP

June 29th, 1985

DETAILS: Constable McLaughlin was operating an unmarked police cruiser west on Highway 17. Constable McLaughlin pulled onto the west bound shoulder then abruptly made a U-turn. His cruiser collided with a tractor trailer also traveling westbound. His injuries were fatal.

November, about 41 years ago...

Constable

Vernon L. Miller

OPP

November 16th, 1984

DETAILS: PC Miller of the Matheson Detachment had arrived at Joe's Texaco and was in the restaurant when a young man entered with a 12 gauge shotgun, approached Constable Miller from behind and shot and killed him. The assailant was disarmed by another Constable and a restaurant patron.

October, about 41 years ago...

Constable

John G. Ross

OPP

October 7th, 1984

DETAILS: On October 7, 1984 Constable Ross with other members of the Woodstock OPP, the Woodstock City Police and the No. 2 District Tactics and Rescue Unit were following up a tip that two murder suspects were at a Woodstock residence. Constable Ross and Constable R. Thompson were confronted by one of the suspects. Constable Ross was shot and killed, and Corporal R. Thompson was wounded.

April, about 41 years ago...

Corporal

William F. McIntyre

OPP

April 21st, 1984

DETAILS: On April 21, 1984 the body of Corporal W.F. McIntyre was found in his apartment in Oakville. He had been shot in the head by an unknown assailant. This case is still unsolved.

September, about 42 years ago...

Constable

Bruce K. Crew

OPP

September 25th, 1983

DETAILS: While on patrol from the Goderich Detachment Constable Crew accompanied by Constable Jack Straughan were dispatched to assist a Goderich Police Force unit involved in a high speed chase. As they approached a series of two hills known as Porters Hills on County Road 18 they saw the car approaching them at high speed. It braked and skidded to a stop at the bottom of the hill. The OPP cruiser pulled up to the suspect vehicle to block its escape while calling to advise the dispatch to tell the Goderich cruiser of their location. Officer Crew stepped from the cruiser and walked to the suspect' s car to remove the ignition keys when the Goderich cruiser came over the hill. It skidded down the hill, struck the car, Officer Crew and the OPP cruiser. PC Crew was fatally injured.

May, about 43 years ago...

Detective Inspector

Lorne I. Foran

OPP

May 4th, 1982

DETAILS: D/Inspector Foran was killed May 4, 1982 from a single car accident while returning to Toronto following an investigation in London.

May, about 43 years ago...

Constable

Richard J. C. Hopkins

OPP

May 9th, 1982

DETAILS: Constable Hopkins accompanied by Constable J.B. Henderson were on routine patrol when they interviewed a person who claimed to have witnessed a shooting. The Constables drove to Arthur but saw no suspicious vehicles. At approximately 0400 hrs, they were dispatched to a fire and were met by the local Fire Chief. He told the officers that he had seen a man with a rifle behind a store. They drove to Fredrick Street and saw a man matching the description from the earlier witness. He was carrying a rifle and was walking towards Main Street. Constable Hopkins opened his door as the suspect continued to walk away from him. He told the suspect to drop the gun. The suspect said nothing but turned and fired the shotgun at the officer, fatally wounding him. Constable Henderson returned fire. The suspect was apprehended ten hours later with the use of OPP tracking dogs.

February, about 43 years ago...

Constable

William H. Smith

OPP

February 16th, 1982

DETAILS: Constable Smith had just started his shift and was on traffic radar duty and was west bound on Highway #17 near Old Nova Beaucage Road. He was making a U-turn when struck by a west bound tractor trailer unit. He was killed instantly.

July, about 44 years ago...

Constable

Kenneth M. Swett

OPP

July 17th, 1981

DETAILS: While transporting an assault victim from Ottawa to Renfrew, Constable Swett received a radio message to be on the alert for a drunk driver from Arnprior heading east. While negotiating a curve to the left, Swett was confronted by an eastbound vehicle veering into the westbound lanes. Swett drove to the right but was struck on the north shoulder. Both vehicles burst into flames killing PC Swett, his passenger and the driver of the other car. The driver of the other car was the impaired driver about whom Swett had been warned.

January, about 44 years ago...

Constable

Richard M. Verdecchia

OPP

January 2nd, 1981

DETAILS: On January 1, 1981, two men had stolen some rifles from a cottage and proceeded southbound on Highway #11 with the intent of robbing a gas station in Burk&rsquos Falls. During the attempted robbery they shot and killed a gas station attendant. They were spotted by Constable Verdecchia just south of Huntsville and at approximately 0050 hrs. the vehicle turned onto Highway 141 where it went out of control and became stuck in a snow bank. Constable Verdecchia stopped, then approached the right side of the vehicle. He was shot through the open passenger window. His assailant then got out and fired several more shots into the officer. The assailant and his accomplice then threw the body of the officer into a snow bank and fled. His body was recovered 7 hours later. Just north of Orillia on Highway 11 Constable Neil Hurtibise stopped the fleeing suspects and exchanged fire. He was shot several times but managed to return fire. The suspects fled the scene and were apprehended later in Orillia.

November, about 45 years ago...

Constable

Thomas Hicks

OPP

November 7th, 1980

DETAILS: PC Hicks was proceeding through the intersection at Highway 17 and Power St., Copper Cliff. He was responding to a suicide call when an impaired driver turned into him. He was killed instantly when his cruiser slammed into a steel pole.

November, about 45 years ago...

Constable

William F. Shores

OPP

November 30th, 1980

DETAILS: Constable Shores and Constable McConnell responded to a domestic dispute and upon arrival a male suspect had left the scene. The male suspect was found walking down the road in an intoxicated condition. He was arrested and a struggle ensued. While attempting to apply handcuffs to the suspect, PC Shores suffered a heart attack and died.

February, about 45 years ago...

Constable

George H. Bennett

OPP

February 12th, 1980

DETAILS: Constable Bennett and Constable Jim Hewitt were on a routine snowmobile patrol of the Swift Rapids Power Plant and cottages on the Severn Road. He was thrown into a rock cut when his snowmobile failed to complete an abrupt turn on an icy corner.

January, about 45 years ago...

Constable

Duncan T. McAleese

OPP

January 23rd, 1980

DETAILS: On January 30, 1979, Constable McAleese had arrested and charged a man with impaired driving. Upon conviction the man appealed the decision and was awaiting trial. Several family problems resulted and a hostile feeling developed toward the officer. On January 23, 1980 the man purchased shells, consumed a large quantity of alcohol and talked about killing a cop. He called Constable McAleese at his home, asking whether he could meet him since he had some information about drug traffickers. McAleese left his notes by the phone with a message for his wife to contact the office if he didn't return home. McAleese met the man who was sitting in his pickup truck. He was standing outside the driver's door and speaking briefly when several shots were fired by the man, hitting McAleese in the stomach area. Another six shots were fired at the officer and struck him in the head and chest. He then took off dragging the wounded officer. PC McAleese died at Norfolk General Hospital.

October, about 47 years ago...

Constable

Paul E. Patterson

OPP

October 28th, 1978

DETAILS: Constable Patterson was in pursuit of a vehicle northbound on Dufferin St., north of Major Mackenzie Drive in the Town of Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York. The vehicle he was chasing stopped just over a hill and was abandoned. The officer broke over the hill and while attempting to avoid the stopped vehicle, he lost control of the cruiser and went into the east ditch, rolling over. He was found unconscious and died of his injuries.

August, about 49 years ago...

Corporal

Ronald E. Lee

OPP

August 28th, 1976

DETAILS: Corporal Lee was directing traffic at 2330 hrs. on August 28, 1976 at Highway 144 and Montee Principale, Rayside Twp. Sudbury. He was directing traffic coming from a local race horse track. He was struck by a northbound vehicle and killed.

February, about 49 years ago...

Corporal

Donald R. Irwin

OPP

February 20th, 1976

DETAILS: While on vacation in Florida Cprl. Irwin participated on routine patrol with his good friend Florida Highway Patrol Officer, Philip Black. Irwin was in civilian clothing and unarmed. At approximately 0730 hrs. they checked an old Camaro parked in a rest area on I-95, north of Pompano Beach, Florida. The vehicle was occupied by two men, a woman and two children. An automatic pistol was found in the suspect car by Trooper Black. He returned to his cruiser for a record check and to request help. As both of the officers approached the Camaro a second time, 5 or 6 shots were fired and both officers were killed. The suspects fled in the cruiser but were arrested later.

May, about 50 years ago...

Constable

Maurice R. J. Chatterson

OPP

May 2nd, 1975

DETAILS: Constables Chatterson and MacDonald were traveling northbound on Highway 21 at approximately 2145 hrs. May 2, 1975 when they collided head on with a truck traveling southbound. Both officers died at the scene. Maurice was from the Forest Detachment.

May, about 50 years ago...

Constable

Gary V. MacDonald

OPP

May 2nd, 1975

DETAILS: Constables MacDonald and Chatterson were traveling northbound on Highway 21 at approximately 2145 hrs. May 2, 1975 when they collided head on with a truck traveling southbound. Both officers died at the scene. Gary was from the Forest Detachment.

March, about 50 years ago...

Constable

Gerald A. Thompson

OPP

March 31st, 1975

DETAILS: Constable Thompson was on routine patrol; in an unmarked cruiser at approximately 1200 hrs. March 31, 1975. On the Oxford Mills Rd. 3 miles south of Kemptville he was in pursuit of a red sports car when he collided with a Canadian Pacific freight train. He died later in hospital.

December, about 52 years ago...

Constable

Vaughn B. McKay

OPP

December 20th, 1973

DETAILS: As a result of injuries received from an on-duty vehicle accident in July 1973, complications resulted, and while recuperating Vaughn's condition worsened. He lapsed into a coma on December 19th. Doctor's operated; however, he passed away on Dec. 20 at 11:00 p.m.

November, about 52 years ago...

Corporal

Evan V. Gilmore

OPP

November 5th, 1973

DETAILS: Corporal Gilmore was the Det. Commander at Spanish Ont. On this date he was one of three OPP cars chasing a stolen vehicle with juveniles in it, on Hwy #17. The stolen car crashed with the three suspects taking flight. The three officers gave chase capturing all three. While enroute back to Spanish, Cpl. Gilmore began feeling ill. Leaving his cruiser on the side of the highway, he and his prisoner travelled in with Cst. Don Gurnie's vehicle. Upon arriving at the Spanish Det. the Cpl. requested an ambulance as he was feeling worse. Cst. Gurnied lodged the prisoners then drove towards Elliot Lake intending on meeting up with the ambulance. Upon their arrival at the hospital, Cpl. Gilmore was unconscious and later died of heart attack.

July, about 53 years ago...

Constable

Clare L. Lackey

OPP

July 16th, 1972

DETAILS: Constable Lackey and Constable Nelson LeBrun were returning from West Bay Indian Reserve after quieting a domestic dispute. While traveling on Highway 540 an oncoming vehicle struck them head on. LeBrun used a shovel from the cruiser trunk as a crutch to walk to the nearest telephone. Constable Lackey and the driver of the other vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

October, about 54 years ago...

Constable

John C. A. Verral

OPP

October 8th, 1971

DETAILS: PC Verral was participating as a member of the OPP Golden Helmuts Precision Motorcycle Team when he collided with two other members of the team. He died from his injuries.

July, about 55 years ago...

Constable

Stefan H. Schultz

OPP

July 19th, 1970

DETAILS: Constable Schultz and Constable Hardman were investigating a liquor offence on Indian Town Line Road, County Road 20. They were involved with a group of people who were parked at the side of the road. Hardman tried to warn Shultz of a rapidly approaching vehicle. The vehicle struck Hardman and killed Schultz and four other people who had been standing between cars at the side of the road.

February, about 55 years ago...

Constable

William R. Rodgers

OPP

February 25th, 1970

DETAILS: On February 25, 1970 PC Rodgers and his partner were investigating an accident on Highway 22 three miles west of Strathroy. There was a blinding snow storm and two men had stopped to help. Rodgers along with the two men were killed when struck by another vehicle.

December, about 57 years ago...

Detective Sergeant

Lorne J. Chapitis

OPP

December 11th, 1968

DETAILS: Det. Sgt. Chapitis of Peterborough District Headquarters and Cpl. James Smith attended a house on Concession 13, Snowdon Township, Haliburton County. Both officers were shot and killed while trying to talk with an armed man who had threatened to take his mother hostage. Lorne was a trained hostage negotiator and was called to come to the Minden Detachment due to a hostage situation. Corporal James Smith was trained in the deployment of tear gas that may be required so he accompanied Detective Sergeant Chapitis on the call. They joined 5 Minden Detachment officers at the location where a mentally disturbed man had taken his mother hostage. Lorne began talking with the suspect, who had asked the officers to come forward to talk. As both Lorne and James walked towards the house with their hands outstretched showing they were unarmed, the suspect fired 3 shots from inside the home, killing Lorne instantly, and leaving James mortally wounded in the snow. Constable Barry Connelly hearing the call of officers dove through a window and overpowered the suspect, until the other officers could get inside and assist him with the arrest.

December, about 57 years ago...

Corporal

James Smith

OPP

December 11th, 1968

DETAILS: Cpl. Smith of Peterborough District Headquarters and Detective Sgt. Loran Chaptis attended a house on Concession 13, Snowdon Township, Haliburton County. Both officers were shot and killed while trying to talk with an armed man who had threatened to take his mother hostage. Corporal James Smith was trained in the deployment of tear gas which may be required at a hostage taking call in the Minden Detachment area, so he accompanied Detective Sergeant Chapitis a trained hostage negotiator on the call. They joined 5 Minden Detachment officers at the location where a mentally disturbed man had threatened to take his mother hostage. Lorne began talking with the suspect, who had asked the officers to come forward to talk. As both Lorne and James walked towards the house with their hands outstretched showing they were unarmed, the suspect fired 3 shots from inside the home, killing Lorne instantly, and leaving James mortally wounded in the snow. Constable Barry Connelly hearing the call of officers dove through a window and overpowered the suspect, until the other officers could get inside and assist him with the arrest.

November, about 57 years ago...

Constable

Bradford E. Browne

OPP

November 13th, 1968

DETAILS: PC Browne was traveling with Constable David Toffoli on Highway 69 south of Sudbury. The load of steel shifted on a transport truck traveling in the opposite lane, causing the truck to go out of control and collide with the cruiser, crushing it. Browne was killed and Toffoli critically injured.

June, about 57 years ago...

Constable

Samuel E. Ankenmann

OPP

June 29th, 1968

DETAILS: PC Ankenmann was traveling westbound on Highway 7/8 just east of Little Lakes when his cruiser left the road in dense fog, rolled over into a field and caught on fire. Two young men came across the accident, pulling Constable Ankenmann from the wreckage, but he had died from his injuries sustained in the rollover.

June, about 57 years ago...

Constable

Peter J. Kirk

OPP

June 9th, 1968

DETAILS: PC Kirk was on routine patrol on Highway 11 between Alfred and L'Original. He was in a line of traffic when a eastbound sports car went out of control crossing into the westbound lane. Kirk's cruiser collided with the sports car, overturned and skidded on the highway. He was crushed by the roof.

August, about 58 years ago...

Constable

James I. Hamilton

OPP

August 19th, 1967

DETAILS: Hamilton was dispatched to a local Memmonite farm to check on the well being of two boys at the request of their mother. She had left the farm earlier that day due to the abuse from her husband who was drinking and taking large amounts of medication. It is not clear why Constable Hamilton was accompanied by his good friend, retired Listowel Chief of Police, and now Justice of the Peace, Cully Rocher but the two drove to the local farm together. As the cruiser pulled into the laneway two shots were fired from the upstairs bedroom window, killing both J.P. Rocher and Constable Hamilton before the cruiser was even stopped. When officer arrival later they found the cruiser still running with J.P. Rocher laying dead beside the open passenger door and Constable Hamilton dead seated at the steering wheel. The suspect was found later within the farmhouse having taken his own life.

July, about 59 years ago...

Constable

Thomas J. Emery

OPP

July 25th, 1966

DETAILS: PC Emery was on motorcycle patrol on the westbound lanes of the 401 west of Islington Avenue in Toronto. A cross bow holding ridge poles together on a tarped trailer fell off, becoming entangled in the front wheel of his police motorcycle. He fell off and was run over by another transport truck.

April, about 59 years ago...

Constable

John R. Maki

OPP

April 4th, 1966

DETAILS: On April 4, 1966, Constable Maki was dispatched to County Road 5 regarding a male walking along the road discarding his clothing. He confronted the young man and due to his behaviour assistance was requested. With the help of two other officers, the man was taken to the Psychiatric Hospital in Ottawa. The young manâ€™s parents were summoned and an intern told the assisting officers that they could go. Maki was left alone with the man. The patient then ran from the room and as Maki caught up with him a struggle ensued. He managed to remove the revolver from Makiâ€™s holster and fired five times, fatally wounding him. As the young man fled, he discarded the gun. Members of the Ottawa Police caught up to him and after a struggle was arrested.

August, about 61 years ago...

Constable

Alexander M. Prodan

OPP

August 30th, 1964

DETAILS: PC Prodan was clocking a speeder eastbound on the Hwy. 401 east of Iona Rd., in Elgin County. Another vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes, hit his cruiser head on. The cruiser caught fire and Constable Prodan died.

September, about 62 years ago...

Constable

Patrick C. Armstrong

OPP

September 11th, 1963

DETAILS: PC Armstrong was on routine patrol traveling southbound on Highway 11 near Callander with Constable George Pigott. At the bottom of a hill the cruiser struck an 1,800 pound bull moose, crushing the drivers area of the cruiser. Patrick was killed instantly, and Constable Pigott survived his injuries.

August, about 63 years ago...

Corporal

James S. McDonald

OPP

August 28th, 1962

DETAILS: Corporal McDonald responded alone to a residence in Petawawa Township, which was the scene of a domestic dispute. The suspect was drunk and abusive. Cpl. McDonald stuggled with the suspect for some time before getting him handcuffed and secured in the rear seat of the cruiser. While walking around the rear of the cruiser Corporal McDonald suffered a massive heart attack, collapsed and died.

May, about 65 years ago...

Constable

Edward R. Wickens

OPP

May 10th, 1960

DETAILS: PC Wickens was on routine patrol on Highway 11 north of Washago on May 10, 1960. A southbound cement truck loaded with 25 tons of cement began to drift into Wickens lane. The truck hit his vehicle and rolled over on it. Constable Wickens was killed instantly.

December, about 67 years ago...

Constable

Calvin R. Fulford

OPP

December 25th, 1958

DETAILS: Constable Fulford attended on Christmas Eve a small two room cabin, the home of Albert Young and his three sons Thomas, James and David. He attended at the request of David Young and George Williams who had come to him for help because of shots being fired at the cabin. As they entered the cabin Williams was shot. Constable Fulford ran less than 60 feet when he was brought down by a bullet in the shoulder. Thomas Young who had already killed his father, Williams and a young couple at the cabin, took the constable' s revolver, as he tried to crawl to the cruiser. He then shot and killed Fulford. Later Christmas morning he was captured.

October, about 67 years ago...

Constable

Willis J. Jacob

OPP

October 3rd, 1958

DETAILS: PC Jacob was killed October 3, 1958 while on patrol on Highway 11 northbound. This particular stretch of road was a divided, four lane highway to the north and an undivided two lane highway to the south of the Orillia bypass. A vehicle traveling southbound on the divided portion of the highway went out of control, hitting a road sign then sliding towards the undivided portion of the highway. The vehicle was without lights as it crossed into the northbound lane on the two lane portion. This vehicle missed two northbound cars before hitting the OPP cruiser head on in the northbound lane. Both drivers were killed instantly.

September, about 68 years ago...

Constable

Henry J. Harper

OPP

September 11th, 1957

DETAILS: PC Harper was investigating an accident on the Scenic Highway (Thousand Island Parkway.) He was struck by an eastbound motorist who was unable to see him in the dark and rain. Constable Harper died thirty days later at Kingston Hospital.

July, about 68 years ago...

Constable

Peter R. Sebborn

OPP

July 1st, 1957

DETAILS: PC Sebborn was a passanger in a cruiser operated by Constable R. Barichello July 1, 1957. The cruiser was traveling on Highway 18-85. The officers were enroute to an accident scene and were involved in a head on collision with an eastbound vehicle. Constable Sebborn died later at the Kenora Hospital.

May, about 68 years ago...

Constable

Philip H. de La Rue

OPP

May 25th, 1957

DETAILS: Constable de La Rue was traveling at a fast rate of speed when his cruiser struck a frost heave in the pavement. The cruiser sideswiped an oncoming pickup truck and overturned into a ditch. Constable de La Rue was thrown from the vehicle and succumed to his injuries at the Bingham Hospital in Matheson.

April, about 69 years ago...

Constable

John A.C. Behan

OPP

April 14th, 1956

DETAILS: Constable Behan was operating his cruiser westbound on Highway 7 between Maberly and Silver Lake. He was accompanied by Constable H. Crain. After rounding a curb the vehicle entered the shoulder of the road and went out of control into the south ditch striking several tree stumps. Both officers were thrown from their vehicles. Constable Behan died at the scene. Constable Crain survived.

February, about 71 years ago...

Corporal

Henry Gilchrist

OPP

February 17th, 1954

DETAILS: On February 16, 1954, Gilchrist was travelling on a straight stretch of Highway 3 from Aylmer to Tillsonburg. At about 11:50 p.m., his right front fender clipped the left rear of a truck parked on the south side of the highway. His car spun and he was thrown out of the car to be struck immediately by a car following close behind. He died three and a half hours later in hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained.

September, about 72 years ago...

Corporal

Harold T. Shaughnessy

OPP

September 19th, 1953

DETAILS: On Sunday, September 19, 1953, Harold was working a night shift and had just stopped for a coffee. He was patrolling along the Forks Road in Wainfleet Township about ten miles from Welland. It was on this road that Shaughnessy tried to maneuver a turn near a big bend when his patrol car left the road, was airborne, flipped over and came to rest on its roof. He passed away not long after arriving in Welland Hospital, as a result of his injuries.

May, about 76 years ago...

Constable

Reginald G. Morden

OPP

May 17th, 1949

DETAILS: Cst. Morden was patrolling 18 miles north of Little Current near the Roosevelt Memorial when his cruiser struck the rear fender of a taxi. The cruiser spun out of control entered the ditch and rolled over three times. He died from his injuries. He was to be married in eleven days.

June, about 77 years ago...

Constable

George Yuile

OPP

June 11th, 1948

DETAILS: On June 6, 1948 PC Yuile was injured and later died of injuries suffered when the cruiser he was driving crashed into an abutment at Jane St. and Russel Avenue. Yuile was a World War I veteran.

February, about 80 years ago...

Constable

Robert W. Duncan

OPP

February 21st, 1945

DETAILS: On February 21, 1945, PC Duncan died of a skull fracture as a result of a fall from the train just west of Port Hope. A passing train crew found him lying beside the tracks. He died in hospital a short time later having never regained conscience. The circumstance of his death is not known.

July, about 85 years ago...

Constable

Donald L. Pickell

OPP

July 2nd, 1940

DETAILS: PC Pickell killed on July 2, 1940 while on motorcycle patrol on the QEW. He was thrown from his motorcycle, crashing heavily to the cement, landing on his head.

June, about 85 years ago...

Constable

Harold H. Dent

OPP

June 20th, 1940

DETAILS: On June 20, 1940 Constable Dent had been summoned to the Navan railway station to question a suspicious foreigner. When approached by Dent, the transient produced a .45 Colt automatic and fired twice, striking Dent in the right arm and abdomen. The suspect fled to the bush. Acting Sergeant J.A. Stringer was vacationing in Navan and went to Dent's aid. He took the officers revolver and pursued his assailant into the bush. After being fired upon he shot and killed John Miki, a Finnish transient.

May, about 85 years ago...

Constable

Alfred J. Ferguson

OPP

May 23rd, 1940

DETAILS: PC Ferguson was killed when operating his motorcycle on routine patrol, southbound on Hwy. 34 near Vankleek Hill. A vehicle ahead was overtaking a horse and cart and stopped because of an oncoming truck. Constable Ferguson's motorcycle struck the stopped vehicle. He had transferred from the Department of Highway Motorcycle Patrol in 1930.

September, about 86 years ago...

Constable

Frederick R. T. Blucher

OPP

September 30th, 1939

DETAILS: PC Blucher died as a result of severe internal and head injuries suffered from a collision with a car while on motorcycle patrol on the Queen Elizabeth Way near Dixie Rd. He transferred from the Department of Highway Motorcycle Patrol in 1930.

July, about 87 years ago...

Constable

Elmer A. Shepard

OPP

July 24th, 1938

DETAILS: On July 24, 1938 PC Shepard was killed when his vehicle struck a hole in a wooden bridge. His car crashed through the railing and landed on its roof 30 ft below. The 15ft. wide 250 ft. long bridge was located on a side road leading from Matheson to Ramore.

February, about 87 years ago...

Constable

Donald C. Shervill

OPP

February 13th, 1938

DETAILS: While on patrol of the Orchard Beach area, 6 miles east of Hamilton, PC Shervill met a man lurking around the cottages. When challenged, the man opened fire and Officer Shervill was hit in the abdomen. The man fled. Officer Shervill managed to make his way back to the car and to drive as far as the highway where he gave the alarm. He died 7 days later as a result of injuries but managed to give an account of the shooting.

January, about 87 years ago...

Constable

Robert D. Eddington

OPP

January 21st, 1938

DETAILS: On January 20, 1938, PC Eddington was struck and killed by an oncoming truck near Verner, Ontario as he stopped to examine the stalled engine of his car. He died the next day in hospital in Sturgeon Falls.

December, about 88 years ago...

Constable

Bartlett Smith

OPP

December 22nd, 1937

DETAILS: On December 22, 1937 Constable Smith was returning to Niagara Falls from escorting a funeral cortege. While traveling near St. David's on Highway #8 his motorcycle skidded from the roadway and collided with a tree. He died instantly.

July, about 89 years ago...

Constable

Orval E. Storey

OPP

July 25th, 1936

DETAILS: On July 25, 1936, PC Storey was riding his police motorcycle northbound on Hwy. 10 following another vehicle. At this time a southbound vehicle side-swiped the vehicle ahead, crossed the centre line and struck Storey's motorcycle. Constable Storey died at the scene.. He transferred from the Department of Highway Motorcycle Patrol in 1930.

March, about 91 years ago...

Constable

Russell Lemon

OPP

March 12th, 1934

DETAILS: On March 12, 1934 while on motorcycle patrol in Sunnyside, Toronto, PC Lemon had stopped a vehicle and as he turned to walk to the rear of the vehicle, he was struck and killed by a vehicle traveling westbound. He had transferred from the Department of Highway Motorcycle Patrol in 1930.

May, about 93 years ago...

Constable

Charles Hefferon

OPP

May 12th, 1932

DETAILS: On May 12, 1932 while on motorcycle patrol, PC Hefferon was killed in a collision with a car at the intersection of Centre Road and Derry West.

July, about 94 years ago...

Constable

John F. Montgomery

OPP

July 31st, 1931

DETAILS: PC Montgomery transferred from the Department of Highway Motorcycle Patrol in 1930. On July 31, 1931 while on motorcycle patrol, PC Montgomery was eastbound on Carling Avenue near the City of Ottawa. He was killed in a head on collision with a westbound vehicle while attempting to pass a car traveling eastbound.

May, about 102 years ago...

Sergeant

John Urquhart

OPP

May 30th, 1923

DETAILS: On May 16, 1923, Leo Rogers, a 21 year old career criminal escaped from the Nipissing district court in North Bay. The following day he shot and wounded Sgt. William McGovern, North Bay Police Force and on May 18, he shot and killed Constable Fred Lefebvre also of the North Bay Police Force. On May 30 at approximately 0200 hours, Sgt. Urquhart, as well as Constable Crow approached the rear door of the Rogersâ€™ house in North Bay. Sgt. Urquhart was shot and killed instantly by shots through the door.

June, about 121 years ago...

Provincial Constable

William Irving Jr.

OPP

June 17th, 1904

DETAILS: Provincial Cst. Irving was assigned to look for an armed robber who was suspected to be on a train arriving in Webbwood. He located the suspect and escorted him off the train. At this time, the suspect pulled a gun which was hidden in his sleeve and shot and killed Cst. Irving.