The plaque honouring the memories of Waterloo regional police Const. David Nicholson and Mark Gage has been stolen from a monument at the Parkhill Dam.
Thomas Smith discovered the plaque was missing Monday and reached out to CambridgeToday with photos after reading about three other Cambridge plaques discovered missing over the last week.
Smith said he and Grand River Conservation Authority staff discovered the missing plaques while on a tour of the flood works and he immediately reported it to the Service Cambridge desk at city hall.
Smith added he was one of the staff who organized the time capsule at Dalton Court where he also noticed a bronze plaque was missing Monday.
“The theft of memorial plaques is deeply troubling, disappointing and, understandably, very upsetting to the community," said director of corporate affairs for WRPS Cherri Greeno in an email to CambridgeToday.
"Many local residents remember the tragedy that unfolded that day when Constable David Nicholson made the ultimate sacrifice in attempts to save Mark Gage. Stealing a plaque that honours their lives – and any plaque honouring the lives of other local residents – is disrespectful and appalling. We want to assure the community that we are investigating and ask anyone with information or any video footage to please contact us. “
Waterloo regional police can be reached by calling 519-570-9777.
Const. Nicholson was a police diver with the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit when he drowned trying to save 12-year-old Gage from a sluiceway in the dam in August 1998.
In response to the plaques discovered missing Monday, Mayor Jan Ligget stated that to say she is disappointed to hear about the ongoing thefts would be an understatement and urged anyone with information to call police.
She said thefts of memorial plaques are particularly heinous because they represent the cherished memories and legacies of loved ones.
"Their theft not only disrespects those lost, but also deeply wounds the families and communities who hold them dear," she said.
City councillor Adam Cooper said the missing Parkhill Dam plaque is one that definitely crosses the line and he hopes police investigate to find who is responsible for the recent wave of thefts.
"Imagine how that feels for their families. Somebody somewhere knows who's doing this. I hope they speak up."
Hard to believe this was 20 years ago. Remembering Constable David Nicholson and Mark Gage. A Memorial Service is being held this morning in Cambridge at Mill Race Park at 9:30. Officers with @WRPSToday are wearing #589 pins in the officer’s honour this month. pic.twitter.com/yoJOahdKu3
— Lisa Drew (@lisadrewradio) August 12, 2018
