The Root River Bridge will be renamed in memory of Sault Ste. Marie City Police Constable Donald Doucet (shown).
During its meeting today, City Council decided to rename the span in response to an appeal by Sault Ste. Marie City Police Constable Henry Jin.
Constable Doucet was killed while on duty by a drunk driver on Mother's Day in 2006.
His friend and fellow officer, Jin, initiated the effort to rename the bridge under an Ontario Ministry of Transportation program - introduced about 18 months ago - that supports the rededication of such structures for fallen police officers.
After determining that a bridge could be dedicated to Doucet, Jin started looking for the best choice.
Initially, he thought the Root River bridge was under Ministry of Transportation jurisdiction but later learned that, as a connecting link, that portion of Highway 17 North is under the City's authority.
It provided an excellent opportunity to honour Constable Doucet.
City staff suggested to Jin that he wait until repairs and upgrades to the bridge were complete before approaching Council.
Jin said Doucet's father, Louis, is very grateful that the City has chosen to honour Donald in this way.
"The bridge is a very appropriate memorial for Constable Doucet," said Jin. "Whenever there was a call for volunteers, he was the first to step up and put his name on the list, especially for activities involving youth."
Constable Doucet was very compassionate, Jin continued.
He cared genuinely for the troubled young people he mentored and served to bridge the gap between them and the community as a whole.
"He always went well beyond what was expected. Beyond what most other officers would do."
A rededication ceremony is being planned for a few weeks from now.
Signs will be erected on either end of the bridge indicating that it is dedicated to the memory of Constable Donald Doucet.
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