Paul Patterson may have felt a calling to a career in policing. His great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and a brother all entered the police profession.
Paul joined the Ontario Provincial Police in March 1977 at Oak Ridges Detachment.
On October 28,1978 Constable Patterson observed a vehicle being driven in an unsafe manner at a high rate of speed. He proceeded to pursue the vehicle. The occupants abandoned the vehicle on the road just below the crest of a hill. Paul Patterson came over the hill and on spotting the car, attempted to avoid it but lost control of his cruiser. The cruiser rolled over as it went into the ditch. Constable Patterson was found unconscious in the cruiser and later, died of his injuries.
Paul Patterson was survived by his wife, and his immediate family.