On June 6, as Ontario Provincial Police Constables Alan Hack and Lynne Neale were responding to assist with the apprehension of a suspect attempting to elude police in southwestern Ontario, their cruiser was struck by a transport truck.
Neale was airlifted to Victoria Hospital in London, where she continues to recover to this day.
Hack died from his injuries. He had only been on the road for two months prior to the collision.
“He was a good guy. So gung-ho and ready to get involved and get out there and help and catch bad guys,” said Hack’s coach officer, Provincial Const. Karl Johnston, who had worked with him for around two years. “There wasn’t anything he didn’t love about (the job).”
Yesterday, Hack was one of three officers who died in the line of duty this past year who was honoured at the 32rd Annual National Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.
Alberta RCMP Const. James Lundblad, who died in a vehicle collision on May 5, and Laval police Const. Eric Lavoie, who died on Sept. 8 , 2008, also had their names added to the glass honour roll panels next to the Memorial Pavilion behind Center Block.
Hundreds of officers from across the country paraded in their dress uniforms on Parliament Hill for the ceremony.
It was a sad, proud moment for Hack’s fiancée Donna McKillop. They were to be married in August.
“It’s a mixture of emotions. It’s beautiful to see everyone coming together,” said McKillop.
