OPP Provincial Constable Alfred J. Ferguson was honoured with a bridge named in his memory at a ceremony at the Hawkesbury OPP Detachment on Tuesday April 12, 2022. The bridge at Highway 417 and Highway 34 in Hawkesbury is now named the Constable Alfred J. Ferguson Memorial Bridge. 

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique officially unveiled the sign. Deputy Commmissoner Chris Harkins attended the ceremony along with a number of OPP members. The OPP Association were represented by Civilian Director David Sabatini and Director Terri Hubbert. A number of family members of the fallen officer attended. 

OPP Provincial Constable “Alf” Ferguson, Badge #32 died in the line of duty in Brockville, Ontario on May 23, 1940 when his police motorcycle was involved in a collision. Ferguson served the citizens of Ontario in Brockville and Hawkesbury in his 10 years with the Ontario Provincial Police. Prior to his OPP career he worked for the Department of Highways.  Further historical details can be read on the OPPA Honour Roll. 

The following is a copy of the remarks delivered by OPPA Civilian Director Sabatini at the unveiling ceremony. 

Good Afternoon.

OPP Commissioner Carrique;
Deputy Commissioner Harkins 
Local dignitaries;
And most importantly: family and friends of OPP Provincial Constable Alfred J. Ferguson:

On behalf of both the Uniform and Civilian members of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, it is a privilege to join you today as we honour the life and service of OPP Provincial Constable Alfred Ferguson with a bridge dedication here in Hawkesbury.

Thank you for the invitation to be here and bring greetings from President Rob Stinson, the Board of Directors, Staff and Membership of the OPP Association.

We thank the Ontario Government for honouring the memory of our police officers who have died in the line of duty by the naming of bridges in memory of our members who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

These bridge dedications ensure the service and sacrifice in the line of duty of our members will never be forgotten by the communities that they served. This is important to their families, friends, colleagues, and the entire community.

Rest assured that the service and sacrifice of PC Ferguson and all our 110 OPP Officers who have died in the line of duty will never be forgotten.

PC Ferguson’s name is engraved on our OPP Association Wall of Honour at our head office in Barrie, at our Memorial Wall at OPP Headquarters, at our Memorial Wall at the Ontario Police College, on the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation at Queen’s Park, and on the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial on Parliament Hill.

It is comforting for our membership to know that the names of our fallen officers are also visible along our Ontario highways.

This creates awareness and continued dialogue to ensure that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

I would like to invite everyone here and the public to gather with our policing community annually on the first Sunday in May at Queen’s Park and the last Sunday in September on Parliament Hill to remember PC Ferguson and all officers who have died in the line of duty.

Provincial Constable Ferguson and all of our fallen officers are our Heroes In Life, Not Death. 

Thank you.

The following is the official news release from the OPP about the event:

ntario Honours OPP Constable Who Died in the Line of Duty
 
NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                 April 12, 2022

HAWKESBURY – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Thomas Carrique dedicated a bridge in memory of a Hawkesbury police officer who lost his life while serving in the line of duty.

“Ontario’s police officers serve their communities with honour and distinction. This bridge is a dedication in keeping Provincial Constable Ferguson’s memory alive,” said Commissioner Thomas Carrique.

“Every day, thousands of police officers across Ontario put their lives on the line to serve and protect their families and communities,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “By dedicating this bridge, we acknowledge the tremendous commitment and sacrifice made by Provincial Constable Ferguson.”

Provincial Constable Alfred J. Ferguson, aged 38, was tragically killed in a motor vehicle collision on May 23, 1940. He was survived by his wife, 12-year-old son, parents, six brothers and three sisters.

“I am grateful to police officers for their dedication in keeping our families and communities safe,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “This bridge dedication is a tribute to Provincial Constable Ferguson’s service to the people of Ontario.”

Memorial signs with the officer’s name and police service crest have been posted at each side of the bridge in his honour.

QUICK FACTS

  •  Since 2002, Ontario has permitted bridges and other highway structures to be dedicated in memory of fallen police officers.
  •  Seventy-three provincial highway structures have been dedicated to fallen police officers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Read more about the fallen officers
Find out more about the Ontario Provincial Police

MEDIA CONTACTS
Sgt. Cynthia Savard
Ontario Provincial Police
613-285-4850 
Ontario.ca/safety-news
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