Today marks the 17th anniversary of the death of South Simcoe Sr. Const. Alan Kuzmich.
On August 21, 2002, 41-year-old Kuzmich was killed while investigating a motorcycle theft in Innisfil.
An Innisfil man had been trying to sell his motorcycle when a man from King City came to his house 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.
Kuzmich was laying down a spike belt in an effort to catch the suspect when he was struck by a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on Highway 11 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. The suspect died soon after when he lost control of the motorcycle on a curved street.
The motorcycle owner was 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. Angelea Merici Catholic School.
Chief Andrew Fletcher of South Simcoe Police says Constable 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".
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.
