Today marks the 17th anniversary of the death of South Simcoe police Senior Const. Alan Kuzmich.
On Aug. 21, 2002, the 41-year-old officer was killed while investigating a motorcycle theft in Innisfil.
An Innisfil man had been trying to sell his motorcycle a man from King City came for a test drive. He arrived in a rented pick-up truck, with a friend hiding inside. The pair took off, prompting the motorcycle owner to call 911 as he chased them down local streets.
At the time, Kuzmich was laying down a spike belt when the suspects drove by and it was at around 10:40 p.m. when he was struck by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) on Highway 11 and and 10th Concession Road in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The owner of the SUV was the victim of the theft who had been chasing the suspects.
Kuzmich died from his injuries.
And the suspect died soon after when he lost control of the motorcycle on a curved street.
The motorcycle owner was found guilty of dangerous driving and sentenced to 90 days in jail.
Kuzmich had served as a police constable for 19 years.
He is remembered fondly by the Bradford community and even has a park named after him: Alan Kuzmich Memorial Park on West Park Avenue in between Chris Hadfield Public School and St. Angela Merici Catholic School.
South Simcoe Police Chief Andrew Fletcher says Kuzmich's sacrifice will never be forgotten.
"On the anniversary of the on duty death of Const. Kuzmich, we are reminded of the risk faced each day by first-responders throughout the province and the need to work hard to prevent events such as these from occurring," the chief said.
Donations to the Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Ribbon Society can be made to honour his memory. You can make a donation by clicking here.
