Photos provided by Provincial Constable Jason Mann.

Ontario Provincial Police Association President Rob Stinson was honoured to accompany family and friends of fallen officers, the Ontario Minister of Transportation, Caroline Mulroney, Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General Christine Hogarth, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, and fellow members at a bridges dedication cermony in the Trenton/Belleville area on Thursday October 14, 2021. The bridges, located in the Trenton area, have been officially dedicated in memory of Constable Blair Campbell Brown, Constable Mark L. Houlden and Constable James Lynn Begbie.

“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. This is important to their families, friends, colleagues, and the entire community. They are our Heroes In Life, Not Death,” Stinson said. 

“These constables served and protected our communities and this bridge dedication helps honour their courageous and noble dedication to the Ontario Provincial Police and the people of Ontario,” said Commissioner Carrique.

“We honour and pay tribute to the dedication of Constable Brown, Constable Houlden and Constable Begbie, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Minister Mulroney.

“These bridges in the Trenton area will now serve as a lasting tribute for three of our fallen heroes. Ontario’s police officers put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our families and communities safe. These bridge dedications are a tribute to their bravery, selflessness and commitment to the safety and well-being of others,” said Christine Hogarth. 

Constable Brown, age 29, died in a motor vehicle collision while transporting a prisoner from Peterborough on June 27, 1931. He previously worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway Police before being appointed as Traffic Officer for the then Trenton Police. At the time of his death, Brown was survived by his wife and two young sons.

Constable Mark L. Houlden, age 37, died on July 29, 1970 while responding to a domestic complaint with another officer. A physical altercation took place and he collapsed in the line of duty while protecting others. He is survived by his two children Brad and Lore.

Constable James Lynn Begbie was returning from firearms training when his motorcycle left the roadway. He died on June 22, 1978 from his injuries and at the time of his death was survived by his wife.

Memorial signs with each officer’s name and police service crest have been posted at each side of the bridge, that honours them.