OTTAWA – Today, the Government of Ontario officially dedicated the Highway 2 bridge at Highway 401 (Exit 648) in the township of Gananoque in honour of Corporal Randy Joseph Payne, a fallen Military Police member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
While serving with the inaugural Military Police close protection team in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Corporal Payne was killed when the armoured G-Wagon he was travelling in was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) on April 22, 2006.
In Corporal Payne’s honour, four memorial signs - two on each highway - displaying his name and the Military Police crest have been erected.
"It is always a welcome occasion when we are able to honour the sacrifices of our forces members and their families, who have given so much. Our Government recognizes the strength of those who serve our country with pride and distinction. It is a fitting commemoration of the sacrifice made by Corporal Payne to be included as part of The Highway Memorials for Fallen Police Officers."
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence
“Corporal Payne gave his life protecting others. Dedicating a bridge honouring the ultimate sacrifice he and his family made to our country is a small token of our gratitude. We will forever be grateful for the service of men and women and their families who served and still serve our country to protect our freedom, no matter the cost.”
Colonel Robert Delaney, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and Commander Canadian Forces Military Police Group
“Today’s bridge dedication ceremony highlights our deep appreciation of the work of law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line every day to protect our country and freedom. On behalf of all Canadians, and especially those in Gananoque and area who knew him and know his family so well, I would like to publicly recognize the ultimate sacrifice of Corporal Randy Joseph Payne and his family. Their dedication to our country will be forever remembered.”
The Honourable Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament
Associated Links
Highway Memorials for Fallen Police Officers Act
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