Two former OPP officers were honoured for their years of service and sacrifice this week.

A bridge near Matheson on Highway 11—crossing the Watabeag River—is now officially the Cpl. Roger Leavoy Bridge, while a board room in the South Porcupine OPP detachment has been renamed after former regional Superintendent James Irwin.

Ontario Provincial Police Corporal Maurice Roger Leavoy and his partner, Constable A. D. Mitchell, attended a disturbance call at a Little Current restaurant on March 28, 1986.

According to the OPP, both officers were attempting to arrest a man who resisted. The arrest resulted in a struggle between the man and the two officers, and back-up was called to the scene. When the officers returned to the Detachment, Corporal Leavoy reported pain, and was rushed to hospital.

Corporal Leavoy passed away from heart complications two days later.

Memorial signs with the officer’s name and police service crest have been posted at each side of the bridge in his honour.

 

Filed under: Local News