Retired Detective Sheila Dow and daughter Constable Melaina Korol in 2001

This Mother's Day, we are celebrating the incredible bond between mothers and daughters at the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).

It is not unusual for children to walk in their parent’s footsteps, but these three mother-daughter policing duos are a reminder of the strength, love, and inspiration that mothers bring into our lives.

“Growing up, I always looked up to my mom as a role model in everything I did, I wanted to be just like her, so she definitely helped guide and influence the person I am and what I do,” said Constable Melaina Korol.

Melaina’s mom, Detective Sheila Dow, retired after 30 years with EPS, having worked in various units and finishing her career in the Domestic Offender Crimes Section.

“She’s such a great mom, but as a police officer I got to see the side of my mom that’s courageous and brave, has the biggest heart, and always wants to help people.  It’s super inspiring and made me want to do the job as well.” 

Retired Superintendent Shawna Grimes and daughter Constable Faith Goodkey

A similar sentiment was shared by Constable Faith Goodkey, daughter of Retired Superintendent Shawna Grimes, whose career spanned over 30 years and included roles in the Sexual Assault, Child Protection, and Homicide Sections.

“It’s so comforting to be able to call her and get her perspective as a mother and a police officer.  When I took Police and Investigative Studies, one of our assignments was related to one of her sexual assault files that set a legal precedent at the Supreme Court, so it’s cool to be able to get her advice on similar files because she has the experience.”

Having a police mom comes with advantages – but also its own challenges, which can be overcome with understanding and support.

“It’s an honour to follow in her footsteps, but it’s intimidating too, she’s accomplished so much in her 30-year career,” said Constable Ella Morgan speaking about her mom, Superintendent Kellie Morgan, whom she occasionally runs into at EPS Northwest Campus.

“She’s always let me have my own journey, but at the same time she’s always been there to provide advice and support when I’ve asked for it.  No matter what, she can relate to what I’m talking about and what I’m experiencing.”

Superintendent Kellie Morgan and daughter Constable Ella Morgan

With more than just mother’s intuition, these police moms understood their daughter’s journey all too well – having been trailblazers themselves, at a time when being both a policewoman and a mother was no easy feat.

“It definitely had its challenges with my husband and I on shiftwork, but you can’t forget who helped you get here, and the strong connections you have with your family and new police family,” said Superintendent Kellie Morgan.

“There are sacrifices, but you can have a successful career and raise your kids too.  These experiences absolutely helped me become a better mother and leader, and members know they can come to me for support and to celebrate their successes.”     

While policing has evolved over the years and there is more support for members, parents can still feel vulnerable – especially when their child has chosen the same profession, said Retired Superintendent Shawna Grimes.

“Faith and I had some pretty realistic discussions about it, there’s some danger and it causes stress, and being a mom, I want to tell her what to do all the time,” she laughed.

“But she’s got her squad and all the support at work that I had, so I know everything will be alright.  Now, I get to sit back and listen to her stories, and it reminds me of how much fun I had and how much I enjoyed it.”

Retired Detective Sheila Dow and daughter Constable Melaina Korol

These stories are a tribute to the strength and love of moms – women who believe in their children, encourage them to move forward, and take pride in every step they take.

“I brought my daughter Melaina to the International Association of Women Police conference when she was four years old, and they asked if she would march at the front of the parade in a little dress uniform they had,” recalled Retired Detective Sheila Dow.

“She was such a shy little girl, and the other women wondered if she would be okay, but she surprised us all by marching with them.  She’s come such a long way since then, now stepping confidently into her own career, which makes me so proud.”

From our EPS family to yours, have a very happy Mother’s Day!