Three fallen former Trenton Police officers were honoured Thursday as they each had a bridge in Quinte West named in their honour.
Constables Blair Campbell Brown, Mark L. Houlden and James L. Begbie were all killed in action between 1931 and 1978.
Brown, a traffic officer for the Trenton Police, was killed on June 27, 1931 at the age of 29. He had been transporting a prisoner from Peterborough when he was involved in a collision with two other vehicles. He left behind a two-year-old son and his wife, who gave birth to their second son just two weeks after his death.
Houlden, a 12 year veteran police officer, attended a domestic dispute with another officer on the night of July 29, 1970. At the scene, a physical altercation happened and Cst. Houlden collapsed and died while protecting others. He was 37 and was survived by his children, Brad and Lore.
Begbie died on June 22, 1978. The eight year veteran was returning from firearms training when his motorcycle left the roadway. He later died from the injuries he sustained and was survived by his wife.
Thursday, years of work culminated in a ceremony honouring the three for their ultimate sacrifice in the name of protecting Ontarians.
Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison, a representative of Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique and Minister of Transportation and MPP for York-Simcoe Caroline Mulroney were among those in attendance for the ceremony.
The procession began with remarks from Superintendent Lisa Wilhelm followed by the piping in of dignitaries.
Officers carried in the flags while the bagpipes played as the crowd looked on.
“It is very gratifying to me and all of the proud members of the Ontario Provincial Police that the community and the province of Ontario have made it a point to remember these three fallen heroes. To honour Constables Brown, Houlden and Begbie who lost their lives in service to their communities. It means a great deal that they will be remembered for the profound sacrifice they made, for the sacrifice their families made and for their service to the former Trenton Police Service.”
He revealed that the bridge at Highway 401 and Wooler Road will be dedicated to Cst. Brown, the bridge at Highway 401 and Glen Miller Road will be dedicated to Cst. Houlden and the bridge at Highway 401 and the Trent River will be dedicated to Cst. Begbie.
Minster of Transportation Caroline Mulroney touched on the importance of the dedications.
“These bridges along Highway 401 will serve as a permanent and lasting tribute for these three heroes and their legacy will ripple across generations, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice they made in keeping us safe.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, family members of the officers being honoured were invited up as they unveiled the signs bearing their names that will mark the bridges being dedicated.
The families were then invited to visit the respective bridges that will carry the memories of their fallen family member forever.
Pictures below:
(Photo: Ryan Peddigrew/Quinte News)
(Photo: Ryan Peddigrew/Quinte News)
(Photo: Ryan Peddigrew/Quinte News)
Minster of Transportation Caroline Mulroney was on hand to speak about the bridge dedications. (Photo: Ryan Peddigrew/Quinte News)
