Northern Ont. bridge dedicated to fallen officer
In a touching tribute Thursday, friends, family and fellow police officers gathered in Elk Lake, Ont., to honor the legacy of provincial Const. Vaughn B. McKay, who lost his life while responding to a collision on Highway 17 in July 1973.
OPP Const. Vaughn B. McKay died in a car crash while on duty in 1973. May 2, 2024 (Sergio Arangio/CTV Northern Ontario)
McKay, who was stationed in Sudbury at the time, collided with a vehicle that unexpectedly obstructed his path, resulting in severe head injuries.
Despite efforts in hospital to save him, the 23-year-old succumbed to his injuries five months later, leaving behind his pregnant wife and son.
Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique was present for the ceremony.
"Provincial Const. McKay will continue to be remembered for the profound sacrifice that he made," Carrique said.
Dave Dube, representing the Ontario Provincial Police Association, echoed this sentiment in a speech, describing McKay as "a hero in life, not death."
The OPP, with the help of the provincial transportation ministry, wanted to honour McKay’s memory by dedicating a bridge in his hometown to his name.
Const. Vaughn B. McKay Memorial Bridge. May 2, 2024 (Ontario Provincial Police)
McKay had only been an OPP constable for two years when the fatal crash happened.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
"Vaughn was born and raised in Elk Lake, so to have a bridge in his hometown dedicated to his memory is very special,” said family member Joy McKay, adding that the bridge was visible from his childhood home.
Widow Darlene McKay fondly recalled growing up with her high school sweetheart, describing him as "a great guy, super sports person."
"Very good character, very funny, a fellow who would tease all the time," she said.
Speakers emphasized the inherent risks of police work and the willingness of officers to protect the public, often facing unrecognized dangers.
Officials highlighted the significance of dedicating bridges to fallen officers, both as a way to honor their legacy and to show respect for those currently serving on the front lines.
"To know that community respects the difficult and dangerous job that they do and it's a constant reminder to community, as well, to, hopefully, recognize the efforts that officers put in, the risks that they take and to give thanks," said Carrique.
The OPP and MTO have dedicated around 75 bridges and highway structures to fallen officers since the program's launch in 2002.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air turbulence: When can it become dangerous?
Flight turbulence like that encountered by a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday is extremely common, but there's one aspect of severe turbulence an aviation expert says can lead to serious injury.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
People in Gaza are 'wasting' from famine: World Food Programme director
World Food Programme executive director Cindy McCain says people living in Gaza are 'wasting' as famine concerns continue amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
WATCH Why today's inflation numbers are good if you have a mortgage
New inflation data is 'welcome news' for consumers and an economist says it could signal the possibility for a interest rate cut as several core measures also continue to ease.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
'Miscommunication' Liberals say of Speaker Fergus event invite Conservatives call partisan
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus is facing fresh Conservative-led calls to resign, this time over "very partisan" and 'inflammatory' language used – the Liberals say mistakenly – to promote an upcoming event.
'Mr. Trump doesn't worry us', says Canadian ambassador
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues the 'Team Canada' charm offensive to U.S. lawmakers and business leaders, Canada's ambassador to the United States downplayed the effect of another Trump presidency on Canada.