Powassan bridge dedicated to OPP officer killed in moose crash

An overpass on Highway 11 in the northeastern Ontario community of Powassan is now dedicated to the memory of an Ontario Provincial Police officer who was killed on duty in a crash with a moose.

Const. Patrick Clayton Armstrong was 38 years old when his cruiser hit a bull moose that ran into the road Sept. 11, 1963, leaving behind a wife and four children.

Const. Patrick Clayton Armstrong was 38 years old when his cruiser hit a bull moose that ran into the road Sept. 11, 1963, leaving behind a wife and four children. (Ontario Provincial Police)

Tuesday's dedication at the Highway 534/Clark Street bridge brings the total number of provincial highway structures dedicated to fallen police officers to 74 since the practice began in 2002.

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Armstrong was born in Swastika and spent most of his time in Kirkland Lake before moving to Powassan.

"He served his country as a gunner in the Armored Division of the Canadian Armed Forces in England and Europe during World War II. After the war, he worked for Northern Telephone and then as an underground miner at Wright Hargreaves Mine in Kirkland Lake. He joined the Ontario Provincial Police on April 16, 1959, and served in Kirkland Lake before transferring to Powassan in 1961," OPP said in a news release.

"His friends and 400 officers paid tribute to him in Powassan before he was transported to Kirkland Lake where he was laid to rest."

Signs with his name and police service crest have been erected on each side of the bridge.

"We commemorate the ultimate sacrifice made by provincial Const. Armstrong," Solicitor General Michael Kerzner is quoted as saying in the news release.

"Police officers across Ontario put their lives on the line each and every day to serve and protect their communities and we honour his commitment to duty and service."

The dedication will help keep Armstrong's memory alive, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique is quoted as saying in the release. 

Highway 11 overpass at Highway 534-Clark Street in Powassan, Ont. Sept. 2022 (Google Maps)