Constable John McMenomy, PC#206

Appointed Jan. 13th, 1913.  Fallen Nov. 1st, 1913

Born at Inkerman, Ontario, Constable John McMenomy joined the VPD at the age of 22 after a short time with the Dominion Police of Canada. A physically big man, McMenomy was considered one of the most promising young VPD officers by his superiors. Assigned to Division “C” Kitsilano Station, McMenomy was very popular with all his fellow officers and well liked by the broader community.

On November 1st, 1913, ten months into his VPD career, McMenomy answered a call at W. 8th and Cypress St. A short circuit was causing a street lamp to sputter and the “cut-out” box to flame.  He shook the rope used to lower the arc lamp, attempting to stop the short circuit.  Instead, all the streetlights on the block went out.  He immediately let go of the rope and warned two small boys who were watching nearby to move away.  

When he returned, he reached for the same rope, but a live electrical cable had broken off the top of the pole and was hanging down. McMenomy missed the black wire due to the darkness of the evening and it came into contact with a metal button on his uniform electrocuting him. He was rushed to hospital but died on the way. The city newspapers praised him as a hero for saving the two small boys who might have been electrocuted had he not been there.