Tribute To Fallen Police Officers At Queen’s Park
Posted May 4, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A solemn service Sunday honoured police officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Thousands of officers from across the province gathered at the Police Memorial across from Queen’s Park to pay respects to their fallen colleagues.
Three names were added to the memorial this year. Premier Dalton McGuinty presented Ontario’s “Tribute to the Fallen” plaque to the family of York Regional Police Constable Rob Plunkett.
“Today, we remember police officers for their bravery, and their enormous community spirit. Their memory inspires us to be more courageous, more giving, and more charitable in our own lives,” said Premier McGuinty.
Plunkett was just 43 years old when he was killed. He had served with the force for 22 years when an arrest went horribly wrong. A suspect accused of stealing airbags drove off, pinning Const Plunkett between the car and a tree. The father of three and avid volunteer died on scene.
Two other officers were added to the growing list of names. Constable Edward McMaster, age 31, Toronto Police, died April 24, 1935. Highway Traffic Officer Leigh Wilkinson Metcalfe, age 26, Department of Highways Grimsby, died October 17, 1927.
“They are our heroes and we shall not forget them. They knew the risks and accepted them. They gave their lives in order to keep our communities safe. We would ask all Ontarians to take a moment today to remember their sacrifice as well as those made by their families and loved ones,” stated Bob Baltin, the President of the Police Association of Ontario that represents the over 31,000 front-line police personnel in the province.
There are now 234 police officers listed on the Memorial Wall. An online list of the names is available here, under Honour Roll.
The Annual Memorial Service is held on the first Sunday each May.
