Sudbury police honour fallen officer who died 25 years ago

July 28, 2024, marks 25 years since the death of Sudbury Police Sergeant Richard McDonald.

An undated photo of late Sudbury Regional Police Sergeant Rick McDonald. McDonald died on July 28, 1999, during the performance of his duties. (Greater Sudbury Police Service/X)

“Today, we honour and remember Sergeant Rick McDonald who gave his life 25 years ago, protecting this community,” said Sudbury police in a social media post on Sunday.

McDonald was killed while deploying a spike belt across a roadway on July 28, 1999, when he was struck by the stolen vehicle that he was attempting to stop in the early hours of the morning.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, Jeremy Trodd – who was 16 years old at the time, was found guilty in McDonald’s death in court.

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McDonald was a 12-year veteran of the Service. He was survived by his wife, mother, brothers and sister.

McDonald’s 's 12-year career with the Sudbury police began in 1987 and saw him assigned to many departments including Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division and the Traffic Management Unit. Throughout his career, Rick's determination to fight for Officer Rights and his strong opinions were put to good use as he spent many years on the Board of the Sudbury Police Association – including two terms as president. At the time of his death, Rick was serving as President of the Police Association.

“We remember his smile, his laugh, his larger the life personality and his selflessness,” wrote the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS.)

“Although he is gone, he is never forgotten.”

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Following his death, the Highway Traffic Act was amended to institute stiffer penalties for escape police by flight offences. Then the following year, federal legislation was passed where certain behaviours or actions while operating a motor vehicle would constitute offences under the Criminal Code. Now, individuals face a number of consequences if convicted of motor vehicle-related offences under the Criminal Code of Canada such as a driving prohibition, fines, court ordered imprisonment, as well as, penalties under the Highway Traffic Act.

In 2000, Rick McDonald Memorial Park was named in the Greater Sudbury community of Azilda to celebrate and remember McDonald's love for baseball.

In 2006, the bridge located at the Highway 17 and 69 interchange was named after McDonald. The Highway Memorials for Fallen Police Officers Act permits the naming of highway bridges and other structures on the King's Highway in memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty.

In 2015, in his honour, GSPS introduced the Sergeant Richard McDonald Memorial Award, which is presented to a Member of our Police Service in recognition of their enthusiasm and positive attitude that promotes a culture that significantly motivates members, fosters team spirit and supports its shared commitment to community safety and well-being.

In 2019, the fitness facility at GSPS headquarters was renamed the Joe MacDonald and Rick McDonald Fitness and Wellness Centre, in honour of McDonald and another officer who fell in the line of duty.

Fallen Sudbury police officers, Joe MacDonald and Rick McDonald, remembered. (Supplied/Greater Sudbury Police Service)“Throughout their lives Joe and Rick promoted healthy active living through physical fitness and recreational sports, so it was only fitting that this facility be named after them,” police wrote in a news release at the time.

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Police officials have said McDonald is remembered for his tall stature, his great sense of humour and his strong, infectious personality.

“He is a hero in life, not death,” reads the online tribute.

With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalists Alana Everson and Darren MacDonald