OPP officials held a dedication ceremony April 12 in Hawkesbury for the official renaming of the bridge on Highway 34 near Highway 417 as the Constable Alfred J. Ferguson Memorial Bridge. The bridge is one of several in the Prescott-Russell region which have been renamed and dedicated to the memory of OPP officers.
This bridge dedication is an important act of remembrance. He (Ferguson) shall not be forgotten. He shall always be a part of our proud history. »
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique dedicates the overpass bridge at the intersection of Highway 34 and Highway 417 near Vankleek Hill to the memory of Constable Alfred J. Ferguson during an official renaming ceremony April 12 in Hawkesbury. Constable Ferguson died in the line of duty in May 1940, while on motorcycle patrol on Highway 34 near the Village of Vankleek Hill.
Constable Ferguson, born in 1901, began his career in law enforcement as a traffic officer for the provincial highways department. Five years later in 1930, he joined the OPP and became a motorcycle patrol officer, earning a reputation for his investigative efforts, which included four commendations for « persistence in solving investigations » on various cases.
Ferguson was a member of the Hawkesbury Curling Club and the local Rotary Club. He also served as a church warden for the Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
Constable Ferguson, 38, was on patrol on Highway 34, May 23, 1940. He was headed south on the road. Ahead of him another vehicle was trying to pass a horse-and-cart when it stopped because of an oncoming truck. Constable Ferguson’s motorcycle struck the stopped vehicle. He died as a result of injuries he sustained in the accident.
The April 12 dedication ceremony opened with a ceremonial march of OPP officers, including a colour guard of flagbearers and preceded by Pipe Major Steve McDougall. Members of Ferguson’s family were present for the unveiling of the official name plaque for the bridge.
