Fallen city police officers to be commemorated

The North Bay Police Board in conjunction with City Council has decided to commemorate two fallen officers by naming significant city landmarks in their honour.

Constable Fred Lefebvre, who was killed in the line of duty in 1923, will have the overpass towards the Birchaven (Trout Lake Road and Mountainview Drive) area named in his honour while the police headquarters building on Princess Street will be named after Constable Len Slater, who also killed in the line of duty in 1973.

The history of these men, as well as others that have served within the city of North Bays, can be researched further in news archives and in the books written by former local police officers.

Mayor Al McDonald spoke of the tragic loss of police officers as a worthy project of commemoration that will allow these officers not to be forgotten and enhance the knowledge and history of the city.

"The idea is to recognize any fallen officers, whether it be police, fire or emergency services with some type of dedication that we could, in fact, honour them for their service," he says.

"We're hoping though, that we never have to hold another ceremony in the next two hundred years."

North Bay Police Chief Paul Cook pointed out it was the idea of Detective Greg McClenahan, who put together a report for the Police Association, which was then forwarded to him and ultimately approved by the Police Board.

"(We're) fully supportive of the City recognizing these fallen officers," Chief Cook says.

"I think it's a real testament to the fact that we had two officers pay the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the rights and freedoms of others in our community."