Kincardine OPP constable Craig Campbell remembered at bridge dedication ceremony

Kincardine OPP officer Craig Campbell always wanted to be a police officer.

He became a constable with the Kincardine detachment in June, 1984, and he and his wife, Leslie, moved here in September, 1984. He graduated from police college May 31, 1985, and nine weeks later, at the age of 24, he was killed in the line of duty, by an impaired driver who was trying to evade police.

This was the information relayed Tuesday afternoon at the bridge dedication ceremony in honour of Campbell and his family, held at the Best Western Plus Governor's Inn.

Piper Jim Irvine led the dignitaries into the hall which was packed with OPP officers, past and present, as well as Campbell's family and friends, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, municipal officials, and Ontario transportation ministry representatives.

Marching into the hall, were the OPP Colour Party, followed by OPP commissioner Vince Hawkes, chief superintendent and West Region commander John Cain, South Bruce OPP inspector Dana Earley, OPPA director David Sabatini, and the Campbell family, including Craig's four brothers, Dave, Marc, Scott and Reid, his widow, Leslie Parsons, and Kincardine deputy mayor Jacqueline Faubert.

Following the singing of "O Canada," MC South Bruce OPP constable Kevin Martin welcomed everyone and thanked all for coming to honour the sacrifice of Campbell, and to remember his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Parsons told the crowd that her husband worked hard and played hard, putting more into those 24 years he lived than many people put into a lifetime.

"He loved to ski and was fast and graceful," she said. "He and his father and brothers were very competitive. He liked to wind-surf and when we bought the house in Kincardine, he was thrilled to be so close to the lake. He enjoyed good music, a good party, and a cold beer.

"Before he joined the OPP, he bought a motorcycle and travelled across Canada and the United States by himself."

She then outlined Campbell's excitement to join the OPP and the tragedy of his death Aug. 3, 1985. She thanked the OPP and the Campbell family for all their support at that time and since then.

Parsons also noted that constable Martin's father, Gary, was the corporal at the Kincardine detachment when Campbell was there.

"Craig could have gone anywhere and done anything with his life," she said. "But he chose to be a police officer in order to serve and protect his community."

She commended all the police officers who put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe.

Even though Campbell died more than 30 years ago, Parsons said she is thrilled to have this bridge dedicated to his memory. "He made the ultimate sacrifice and he can never be forgotten."

Faubert echoed those sentiments, adding that all police officers are heroes by the way they live their lives in the service of others. "There are no words to describe those who dedicate their lives for others - people like constable Craig Campbell."

Hawkes said Campbell came from a large family, with his parents, Don and Audrey and his four brothers. "He was an active young man with a real enthusiasm for life. His goal was to have a challenging and rewarding career, and then he was killed in the line of duty at the age of 24."

He recognized Bill O'Sullivan in the audience - he was Campbell's partner and was seriously injured in the accident that killed Campbell.

"The names of 105 fallen officers are listed on the wall of honour at OPP headquarters in Orillia," said Hawkes. "We have 63 provincial highways dedicated to our fallen officers. Every time I see one of those memorial signs on a bridge, I find it gratifying that the individual has been honoured by his community forever."

The bridge being dedicated in honour of Campbell is located on Highway 21, just south of Russell Street, in Kincardine.

Cain said there are 18 West Region officers honoured with bridge dedications, with two more yet to be completed.

"This sign reminds us of Craig's dedication and his ultimate sacrifice," he said. "And it's that same dedication that all officers make in the service of their communities."

Earley said Campbell was killed in the line of duty and that sacrifice should never be forgotten. "He selflessly gave his life in the preservation of our safety. This sign on the Penetangore River bridge shows that Craig was a hero in life not in death."

Sabatini said Campbell epitomizes all police officers who are willing to risk their safety for the protection and safety of their communities. "To his family, I say that through this bridge dedication, he will always be remembered."

Mark and Dave Campbell thanked everyone who helped with this memorial bridge sign and dedication.

A replica of the memorial sign was unveiled, and memorial plaques were presented to Campbell's family and to Parsons.

Rev. Rob Hiscox than gave a blessing, followed by The Lament, and a minute of silence.