Sgt. Lonsdale ‘Lonny’ Blackett (retired) made history as the first Black officer to join Peel Regional Police back in 1974. (Photos: Peel Regional Police)

An upcoming street dedication and ceremony will honour retired Sgt. Sgt. Lonsdale “Lonny” Blackett, who made history and had a storied career as first Black police officer in Brampton and Mississauga.

Blackett was just one of two Black recruits in the first-ever class of Peel Regional Police officers in 1974, and was the only one of the pair to make it through training. In his 33-year career he faced racism both on and off the force, working first in Brampton’s 21 Division before going on to help enlist other minority officers as a recruiter.

He also helped found the PRP Airport Division, where he assisted with the rescue of Air France Flight 358 that crashed at Pearson International Airport in 2005.

“The back end of the aircraft was burning – this was a plane on fire,” Blackett said in a 2024 interview with INsauga.com, recalling how he and another officer ran onto the burning aircraft to evacuate the crew and anyone who may have still been on board.

After checking the plane, Blackett says the officers saw more smoke coming from the rear and ran from the plane, which exploded shortly after. All of the flight’s 309 passengers and crew survived the crash, and Blackett would receive a commendation for his efforts on the scene.

The City of Brampton started the process of honouring Blackett with a street dedication in February, and is holding a ceremony later this month at Mississauga Road just south of Bovaird Drive West – the future home of what will be known as Lonsdale Blackett Way.

The event will be a ceremonial dedication, as the street will be part of upcoming developments in the area and has yet to be built, the city says.

Residents are invited to the celebration on Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. Guests are asked to arrive before 10:45 a.m., and parking will be limited. Peel police will be on site to direct traffic and drivers are being encouraged to carpool, the city says.


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