‘Disrespectful and appalling’: police investigating theft of plaque from officer’s memorial in Cambridge

A theft investigation is underway after a number of plaques disappeared around Cambridge, including the one for a memorial to an officer considered a local hero.

It was discovered this week that the plaque from the Parkhill Dam memorial for Constable David Nicholson was missing.

The stone and garden memorial site beside the Grand River in Galt commemorates the day Nicholson died in the line of duty trying to save a 12-year-old boy, Mark Gage, from the river.

That was August 12, 1998.

Now all that’s left beside the river is a ring of flowers around a sculpture of rocks, with four bolt holes showing where the plaque used to be.

“The theft of memorial plaques is deeply troubling, disappointing and, understandably, very upsetting to the community,” Cherri Greeno, Director of Corporate Affairs for Waterloo Regional Police, said.

Her statement goes on to say, “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.”

Greeno said police are investigating and want to hear from witnesses, especially anyone with video of the theft of the plaque.

Two other plaques have disappeared recently around Galt.

The large plaque on the Victoria Park sign facing Blenheim Road is missing, as is a small plaque from a concrete marker in Dalton Court parkette, beside Main Street and the Grand River.

The Mayor of Cambridge Jan Liggett issued a statement to CityNews 570 that outlines how deep these thefts cut for the community.

“Every plaque in our community is meaningful whether requested by members of the public or placed by the city. The events of August 1998 were deeply traumatizing to all in our City and are part of our collective memory. I vividly remember life coming to a halt in Cambridge as emergency responders came together to retrieve the bodies of Cst. David Nicholson and young Mark Gage. Workers from nearby businesses came by when they could, whole families came in the evenings to sit vigil on the banks and bridges, some hoping to give comfort to Mark and Dave’s families nearby while the whole world watched. Emotions were raw then and are still today. These thefts reopen wounds and grief is relived; it is a despicable act and disrespectful to the families that carry on their legacy and to all friends and family who honour their loved ones through memorial plaques. These plaques are meant to offer solace and memorialize a loved one; these thefts cut deep.”