With the road closed to traffic and the City Police Colour Guard at attention, a solemn but happy crowd of family, friends and supporters gathered on Great Northern Road for today's dedication of the Constable Donald Doucet Memorial Bridge.
With the road closed to traffic and the City Police Colour Guard at attention, a solemn but happy crowd of family, friends and supporters gathered on Great Northern Road for today's dedication of the Constable Donald Doucet Memorial Bridge.
Constable Doucet tragically became the first officer in Sault Police Service history to fall in the line of duty when his police cruiser was struck by a drunk driver in May 2006.
But that was not the focus of today's ceremony.
Addresses from Sault MPP David Orazietti, Mayor Debbie Amaroso, Police Chief Bob Davies, Police Services Board Chair James Greco, and Constable Doucet's widow, Debbie Doucet, spoke of the fallen officer's integrity, dedication and commitment to the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie and the legacy this bridge dedication will carry for generations to come.
"He believed in a notion that is all to often ignored in our hectic, fast-paced society - community," said Orazietti after recounting an incident during which an off-duty Constable Doucet went above and beyond to teach a group of youngsters a valuable life lesson.
"The word is thrown around a lot, but it involves more than just the place where you live. It's an active process that involves forging relationships, looking out for everyone, young and old and the vulnerable alike," Orazietti continued. "Those kids learned a valuable lesson that day because Constable Doucet cared about them. It's an important part of his legacy and the rest of our community is better off for it."
"A bridge, as you know, joins point A to point B... what [the Constable Donald Doucet Memorial Bridge] is going do is join all of us together in our fond memories of Constable Don Doucet," said Greco. "It is intended, by changing its name, to honour the memory. That we will sure do. It is intended to pay tribute to him, to recognize in perpetuity, forever the sacrifice he made on behalf of his fellow citizens."
"Probably not a day goes by that somebody in [the Police Services] building isn't thinking about Don," Chief Davies said. "With today's dedication of the Root River Bridge in Don's honour, not only the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie, but those traveling through Sault Ste. Marie will recognize that Constable Don Doucet performed his duties here in exemplary fashion and is now being recognized for paying the ultimate price."
The dedication and name change of the Root River Bridge to the Constable Donald Doucet Memorial Bridge was spearheaded by friend and colleague Constable Henry Jin, and was completed through the cooperative efforts of both the Province of Ontario and the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
Full text of a news release issued today by David Orazietti follows.
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Orazietti participates in bridge dedication ceremony in honour of Constable Donald Doucet
Renaming of Root River Bridge commemorates Constable Doucet’s service to Sault Ste. Marie
SAULT STE. MARIE - Today, David Orazietti MPP joined city councillors and city staff, members of the Police Service and the Police Service Board, and the Doucet family for a dedication ceremony to rename the Root River Bridge in memory of the late Police Constable Donald Doucet.
"As a 12-year veteran of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Constable Doucet devoted his life to the service and protection of our community,” said Orazietti. “The renaming of the Root River Bridge in his honour will serve as a constant reminder to all citizens of Constable Doucet’s sacrifice, as well as the many positive contributions he made to our city.”
Constable Doucet tragically lost his life in the line of duty on May 14, 2006.
A true community leader, Constable Doucet was heavily involved with a number of voluntary organizations and charitable events in Sault Ste. Marie, especially those involving sports and young people.
He participated in the Heart & Stroke Big Bike Ride, the Kids 'n Kops Fishing program and the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of the Special Olympics.
Constable Doucet loved hockey and served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Soo Major Hockey League.
The Donald Doucet Youth Centre in Sault Ste. Marie was named by the province in his honour in 2008.
“We are very appreciative of the efforts of Constable Henry Jin to have this bridge dedicated in memory of the late Constable Donald Doucet who gave his life in the line of duty in May 2006," said Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Chief Bob Davies. "We would also like to thank the City of Sault Ste Marie for approving the renaming of this bridge, as well as MPP David Orazietti for his continued support of our Police Service and its members who every day do their best to protect and serve the community in which they live.”
“Constable Doucet devoted countless hours to the betterment of our community through his work with the Police Service and the time he committed to volunteering and coaching,” said Orazietti. “His positive influence as a mentor and role model for young people in Sault Ste. Marie will be missed, but will not be forgotten.”
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