1

Constable Harold Dent in his OPP uniform.
1932
Rockland, Ontario

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The victim

Harold Dent was a popular, well-respected police officer who worked out of the Rockland, Ontario detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), just east of Ottawa.

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Town of Rockland, Ontario early 1900's
1900
Rockland, Ontario

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He was born March 2, 1903, the youngest of four children born to John Albert Dent and Annie May Busby.

John Dent owned the Machinery Store and Funeral Parlour on Laurier Street in Rockland during the early 1900s.

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Harold (Hal) Hunter Dent
1930
Rockland, Ontario

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Harold was educated in Rockland and lived there with his parents until he joined the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on November 20, 1930. He served his entire OPP career in his hometown of Rockland.

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Harold (Hal) Hunter Dent
1930
Rockland, Ontario

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Harold married Wilma Margaret Murray (Oct.23, 1905 - Feb.12, 1971) on September 13, 1933. They had one son, John Murray Dent, who was born April 4, 1940.

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Hal Dent with his pet dog.
1920
Rockland, Ontario

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Harold, or "Hal" as he was known to those close to him, was actively involved in the life of this small town and the surrounding community. He was a member of the United Church and served on the Public School Board.

Hal was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dogs.

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Constable Dent (left) and Sergeant H. Story (right)
1932
Cumberland Township, Ontario

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During his career, Constable Dent received several commendations for dedicated service for his part in solving two break & enters, thefts, a murder-conspiracy and an armed robbery.

He is shown here with Sgt. H. Story during the Bergeron investigation.

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Harold Dent (right) and the team investigating the murder of 27 year-old farmhand Leo Bergeron.
1932
Cumberland Township, Ontario

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Dent's 1932 investigation into the murder of 27 year-old farmhand Leo Bergeron led to the arrest and murder conviction of Cumberland farmers Emmanuel Lavictoire and William J. Larocque.

On March 15, 1933 these men were the last to hang at the L'Orignal Jail. Dent's role in this incident is described in the book by Charles W. Bell, K.C. " Who Said Murder?"