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
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi still missing after helicopter accident in mountains
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Toxic drugs circulating in northeastern Ont., police say
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.