Kincardine okays naming bridge after OPP constable Craig Campbell

Kincardine council has endorsed a request from the OPP to name a bridge on Highway 21, between Kincardine Avenue and Russell Street, after Kincardine OPP constable Craig Campbell who was killed in the line of duty 30 years ago.

Aug. 3, 1985, Campbell and his partner were on patrol, observing for a possible impaired driver who had evaded police. While on patrol, the OPP cruiser was struck broadside, killing Campbell and seriously injuring his partner. The suspect driver was found to be impaired and driving with a suspended licence.

The request to honour Campbell, came from South Bruce OPP detachment commander inspector Dana Earley, in a letter discussed by council at the meeting last night (Sept. 9). Under the Highway Memorials for Fallen Police Officers Act, bridges can be named in memory of fallen officers. The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) covers the cost of naming the bridge, including the sign and the installation of the sign.

In her letter to council, Earley noted that Campbell lost his life on Highway 9 as a member of the Kincardine OPP, as it was known in 1985 (now part of the South Bruce OPP). As there are no bridges along Highway 9, within the Municipality of Kincardine, Earley requested signs be placed at the bridge along Highway 21, between Kincardine Avenue and Russell Street.