OPP officers take part in Century Ride

Ontario Provincial Police
News Release

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On Tuesday, October 13th, 2009, the Ontario Provincial Police celebrated a 100 years service and as part of the anniversary celebration over 120 OPP officers and civilians from across the province participated by cycling 100 kms.

Provincial Constable Walter Van ESSEN of Sebringville OPP organized the event in which officers rode bicycles over 100 kms of rural roadways from three separate locations (Alliston, Huntsville and Orillia). The ride concluded in Orillia at the OPP General Headquarters with a commemorative ride past the Commissioner and participants attending the 100th Anniversary ceremonies. Proceeds from the commemorative bicycle jersey, which was designed by OPP General Headquarters Detective Sergeant Jeff VIBERT, went towards MADD. As well, participants were encouraged to make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society and to Share the Road Foundation (sharetheroad.ca – a coalition in Making Ontario Bicycle Friendly).

Pictured, left to right, are four of the five riders who participated from the North East Region:
Provincial Constable Gavin GRANT (In Service Training - Sault Ste-Marie);
Detective Constable Keith VAILLANCOURT (Alcohol and Gaming Sault Ste-Marie);
Provincial Constable Rick DAGENAIS (South Porcupine OPP); and
Detective Constable Rick TASS (North Bay OPP).

Almaguin Highlands OPP Cadet Cory MARKLE (not in photo) was one of the valued organizers and participant of the Ride who looked after the Huntsville contingent.

Also included is a photo of the Riders taken in front of GHQ.

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