The name of Norman Maker is going to live on in our community.
Maker was a Provincial Constable with the Peterborough Detachment of the OPP, who was killed in the line of duty on May 3rd, 1928 at the downtown Montgomery House Hotel.
On Friday, the Otonabee River Bridge on Highway 115 was dedicated in his memory.
Maker’s grandson, Bill Edwards was in attendance and spoke with PTBOToday.ca.
Edwards adds the occasion, which was hosted at the Peterborough Drill Hall/Armoury National Historic Site of Canada on Murray Street, was very special.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique tells us about the significance.
Born in Devonshire, England in 1896, Norman Maker had a remarkable journey before joining the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). He served with courage in the British Expeditionary Forces during World War I, earning both the Military Medal and the 1914-15 Star for his bravery. In 1920, he immigrated to Canada and began his service with the Oshawa Police force. Additionally, he worked as a Detective with the Canadian National Railway before officially joining the OPP on November 29, 1922.
Initially stationed at the Belleville Detachment, Provincial Constable Maker later transferred to the Peterborough Detachment in 1924. His exemplary service caught the attention of Commissioner General Williams, who selected him as one of the two officers to serve as special escorts to the Prince of Wales during the official opening of the International Peace Bridge on August 7, 1927, connecting Canada and the United States.
On May 3, 1928, Provincial Constable Maker and a local Provincial Officer (under the Ontario Temperance Act) responded to a distress call at the downtown Montgomery House Hotel. They were alerted to a man threatening people with a gun. Upon arrival, the two officers encountered the suspect, who fled up a flight of stairs to his room. As they approached, the suspect emerged, drawing a concealed handgun and firing shots, tragically killing Provincial Constable Maker and injuring the other officer. Provincial Constable Maker became the third OPP officer to lose his life in the line of duty.
At the time of his death, Provincial Constable Maker left behind his wife, Muriel, and their two young daughters, Norma, aged three, and Connie, aged three months.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier with files from Noah Lorusso)
