The Sarnia Historical Society has come up with a unique way to honour a local police officer who was gunned down in the 1930s.
Constable Jack Lewis was murdered by notorious killer Red Ryan during a liquor store robbery on Sarnia's main street on May 23, 1936.
Ryan was then killed by local officers, and a $1,000 reward for his capture was never paid.
Society President Ron Realesmith has written to Attorney General Yasir Naqvi, hoping to use the funds for a plaque in Lewis' honour.
"He was the first officer that was fatally shot and killed on the service so, we at the Sarnia Historical Society, want to recognize that sacrifice for our community, and we want to honour Jack and his family," says Realesmith. "We want to display a plaque that will be presented for future generations to appreciate and to know their history. Today, $1,000 translates to about $17,500. We're clearly not asking for that, but we are asking for money to go to a plaque for him."
Realesmith says the plaque would be located at the former Taylor's Furniture building downtown.
He says they'll still erect the plaque even if the government turns down their funding request.
He's hoping to hear back in the coming months.
