Ontario Provincial Police Association

10/15/2026

On October 15, 1926 Ontario Temperance Act Inspector Thomas H. Constable was shot in the back in front of his residence in Cochrane, Ontario. Two years later an arrest was made with the suspect being convicted and hung at the Courthouse in Haileybury. The suspect was a bootlegger in the area. Inspectors under the Temperance Act were under the authority of the OPP since 1921. The service and sacrifice of Thomas is never forgotten.

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our members, their families and all Canadians celebrating today. Home is where the love is celebrating with family and friends. Many of our members will be working this long weekend, and away from their families. Thank you to each and every one of you working and all family members who are sharing their loved one's time over this holiday weekend for the greater good of public safety. Your service is very much appreciated. Be safe out there!

10/12/2026

Sergeant Ronald E. McKean honourably served as a police officer for almost 14 years. At the time of his line of duty death he was a Sergeant with the Collingwood Police Service, where he joined in 1967. Sergeant McKean had one year previous service as a Constable with Metro Toronto and two previous years service as a Police Cadet with Metro Toronto. He was promoted to Sergeant with Collingwood Police in 1976.

On the night of October 12, 1977, Collingwood Police Sergeant McKean and his partner Constable Cliff Lipsett received information concerning an escapee from Warkworth Penitentiary named Gerald Chater.

The report indicated that the escapee and a friend were seen loitering near the main entrance of the Anchor Inn in Collingwood. The friend was William Fredrick who had escaped from Collins Bay Maximum Security Federal Prison. He and Chater had committed a knife point robbery of the Collingwood Gas Station on October 10, 1977 . Fredrick subsequently purchased a 12 gauge sh***un which he sawed off. They were waiting for a cab with the intent of commandeering it and going to Peterborough to commit more robberies.

Upon arrival the officer decided to approach from different directions. Sergeant McKean arrived first and came face to face with the suspects; grabbed one with each hand by the scruff of the neck and began to walk them towards the cruiser. Chater broke away and fled and a scuffle took place with Fredrick who drew the sh***un from his pants, placed the muzzle against the Sergeant’s chest, pulled the trigger and killed him instantly. He then fled the scene and was arrested the next day.

Ronald's son, Sergeant Trevor McKean, is currently a Provincial Director on the Board of the OPP Association. Ronald's service and sacrifice is never forgotten.

10/11/2026

On October 11, 1927 OPP Provincial Constable Andrew McKay died in the line of duty patrolling on his police motorcycle in Newmarket, Ontario. He turned around to pursue a speeder on the last curve on Holland Landing Hill when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. His service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

10/08/2026

On October 8, 1971 OPP Provincial Constable John C.A. Verral died in the line of duty in Simcoe, Ontario.

Two years after he became an Ontario Provincial Police officer, Constable Verral was chosen to become a member of the Golden Helmets Precision Motorcycle Team.

On October 8, 1971 the team was putting on a show at the Norfolk County Fair in Simcoe, Ontario. The problems started when the second last ride was performed. Constable Verral was having difficulty maintaining speed, control and balance of the bike. In the last crowd-pleasing event, called “The Charge” or “Finale Formation” two teams of machines in parallel lines ride towards each other with flashing lights and sirens in full operation. As they approach each other they pass through and continue to the opposite end of the show track.

When the piece commenced, the noise of both machines and the roar of the crowd were deafening. Verral was leading a team of three machines and had almost reached the end of his leading run when his bike began to wobble. He veered to the right and struck the last rider in the oncoming group. This threw him in the path of another machine proceeding parallel to him in the same direction. The rider could not avoid Constable Verral and ran over him causing his death.

John was survived by his wife, two daughters and one son. His service and sacrifice is never forgotten.

10/07/2026

10/07/2026

On October 7, 1984 OPP Provincial Constable John G. "Jack" Ross and another officer were shot by one of two men who had earlier killed one man and a police officer, and had also been involved in a hostage taking. Although they were wearing body armour when the suspect fired at them, each was hit in an unprotected area. Unfortunately, Jack’s wounds were fatal.

Commemorative tributes, including the Jack Ross Sports Bursary for students at Woodstock Collegiate and the naming of Jack Ross Drive in his memory, are constant reminders of the community’s respect for Jack.

Jack was survived by his wife and five children.

10/07/2026

The OPP Association was at the table for last week’s National Roundtable on Officer Safety, and we strongly support the joint letter sent to Prime Minister Carney by the Canadian Police Association and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, on behalf of police association presidents and executives, urging coordinated action to better protect police officers across Canada

We call for targeted policy changes to enhance officer safety, increase accountability for violence against police, and improve the tools and resources available to police services.

The OPP Association remains committed to working with all levels of government to advance these priorities and deliver meaningful action that protects our members. Read the full letter below.

https://cpa-acp.ca/sites/default/files/publication/cacp-cpa_roundtable_-_letter_to_the_prime_minister.pdf

10/04/2026

On October 4, 1929 Highway Traffic Officer Fred Bingley died in the line of duty when the sidecar of his police motorcycle failed to upright around a curve resulting in a crash near Hagersville. Fred was survived by his wife and four children. He is always remembered for his service and sacrifice.

10/03/2026

On October 3, 1958 OPP Provincial Constable Willis J. Jacob died in the line of duty when his police cruiser was struck by a out of control vehicle that had crossed the median on the highway between Barrie and Orillia. He was 34yrs of age at the time of his death, and survived by his wife, who was expecting their first child. Willis' service and sacrifice is never forgotten.