In the News

Late officer honoured
St. Thomas Times Journal
By Patrick Brennan
July 17, 2010

The next time someone pauses for a rest outside the Elgin OPP detachment building, they may remember Al Hack.

A bench dedicated to the late Elgin OPP constable, donated by the St. Thomas chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, was unveiled Thursday at the detachment on John Wise Line.

Hack, 31, was killed in an accident July 6, 2009. His cruiser was involved in a two-vehicle crash on Furnival Road just south of Rodney, when he and partner, Const. Lynn Neale, 35, pursued a speeding suspect who had fled police. Neale was seriously injured in the crash.

Because Hack was recognized for actively supporting programs and measures to fight drinking and driving, the St. Thomas chapter of MADD wanted to remember him by donating a bench.

"Every time one of these officers goes out on the road, they are risking their lives," said Karen Holtby, president of the St. Thomas chapter of MADD, in a brief ceremony attended by about 30 people, including Hack's family, his fiancee and Elgin OPP officers.

"He was the type of person I wished I had known in person," Holtby added.

"Alan loved you guys so much and I know he's looking down on us," said his sister, Anna Maria Hunt of London.

"July 6, 2009, will be remembered as a tragic day," noted Tom Marks, Mayor of Central Elgin and chairman of the Elgin Group Services Board. "Alan will be missed every day. He was loved."

Hack had plans to marry Donna McKillop the summer he was killed.

"Al and I decided our wedding favours would be donated to MADD," she said.

Hack began his career as a police constable in January, 2009, and was assigned to the Elgin OPP detachment in May, 2009.

"Al is missed by his fellow police officers and everyone he served," said Const. Troy Carlson, who was master of ceremonies at the event.