Success Stories

Emergency Communication Officers graduate

17 Apr 2025 20:49:50 UT

EPS welcomed 28 new civilian Emergency Communications Officers (ECOs) and celebrated the graduation of more than 70 others who completed training of other specialized roles within ECOMB at their formal graduation on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

ECOMB is the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the City of Edmonton. ECO’s handle approximately 2,000 calls per day from the public. These calls, which encompass both 9-1-1 emergencies needing police, fire, or ambulance and non-emergency inquiries, are answered, evaluated, and dispatched accordingly. ECOs serve as the vital connection between the community and the public safety services they depend on.

Becoming an ECO is a rigorous application and training process, and less than 6 per cent of first-time applicants are successful in becoming an ECO. The training equips graduates to play a vital role in ensuring the safety of their community. These new ECO’s come to the Branch with various backgrounds in customer service, law, science, and military.

An ECO working a regular 12-hour shift speaks to upwards of 80 people per shift. Last year alone (2024), ECOMB received almost one million calls. While an ECO primarily works behind the scenes, the impact they have on public safety is immeasurable. This is all the more reason to celebrate their achievements and recognize the critical role they play in keeping residents safe. As the first of the first responders, ECOs ensure the fast and accurate transmission of information related to fire, medical and law enforcement emergencies.

“The calls that we receive range from the most critical life-threatening emergencies, fires, heart attacks, criminal incidents, right down to things like neighbour disputes, says ECOMB Director Kay Anderson. Our emergency communications officers have to be able to switch back and forth to help the public no matter what the situation is.”

In recognition of their vital work, the City of Edmonton has proclaimed April 13-19, 2025, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Edmonton.

“We are so proud of our newest ECO graduates, and we are looking forward to the positive impact they will have on public safety in Edmonton,” says Anderson.

For more information, please visit 911maketherightcall.ca or the ECOMB page at edmontonpolice.ca/ECOMB

EPS introduces new Operational Stress Intervention Dog

14 Apr 2025 20:50:49 UT

Blaise’s role will be to provide emotional support for all sworn and civilian employees of the organization.

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is proud to announce its first Operational Stress Intervention Dog (OSID) to support sworn and civilian employees during difficult times.

Through a generous donation and as part of its partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada, EPS is the first policing organization in Alberta to get OSID Blaise, a black Labrador Retriever provided by BC & Alberta Guide Dogs.

A graduation was held on April 14 at Police Headquarters for Blaise and his three handlers, who are all EPS employees. They have spent the last few weeks training with Blaise to guide him through the process of supporting employees through mental health challenges.

“If employees are struggling and need some emotional support, sometimes the gentlest partner makes the biggest difference,” said Donna Munro, Director of Employee and Organizational Wellness at EPS. “Blaise isn’t just a companion – he’s a reminder that strength comes in many forms, including kindness. Mental health is always top of mind at EPS, and we are always looking for opportunities to increase support and provide our employees with tools to take responsibility for their mental health and wellness. I am so proud of our partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada as they made all this possible.”

Blaise’s role will be to provide emotional support for all sworn and civilian employees of the organization. He has a gentle disposition and is trained to recognize signs of agitation to interrupt the process by providing a calming demeanor.

“Operational Stress Intervention Dogs (OSID) from BC & Alberta Guide Dogs are professional working dogs that assist Trauma Exposed Professionals in a workplace environment to achieve therapeutic goals through specifically trained activities, and tasked behaviours, accompanied by a highly specialized temperament,” said Mike Annan, Director of Service Dogs with BC & Alberta Guide Dogs. “These highly trained intervention dogs are specially bred and selected for stress modulation and the capacity to absorb or redirect tension without being overwhelmed.

“Together these specialized activities and capacities facilitate the dogs’ ability to work with many different people. This is done by way of assisting in achieving a wide variety of therapeutic goals as the OSID has been specifically bred, raised and trained by BC & Alberta Guide Dogs and our Certified Professional Service Dog Instructors in partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada to work with and support the Edmonton Police Service and their employee well-being.”

EPS has partnered with Wounded Warriors since 2023 to provide mental health support services to all EPS’ active and retired professionals. The addition of OSID Blaise is another resource in the toolbox for employees to utilize whenever they need.

“Police officers are required to respond to critical and potentially traumatic incidents on a daily basis,” said Scott Maxwell, CEO Wounded Warriors Canada. “We know that repeated exposure to traumatic incidents can have long-lasting impacts on the members and, by extension, the organization itself. We also know the importance of being proactive and getting in front of these situations to help members feel safe, supported and understood. That’s a big part of the role Blaise will play with the Edmonton Police Service and we’re extremely proud to help make this pairing possible.”

Casualty Care Breakout Bag Program

18 Mar 2025 17:17:41 UT

Backpacks will enable officers to provide swift, effective care when they are first at a scene.

EPS Community Policing Bureau has launched the Casualty Care Breakout Bag Program to equip officers with first-aid backpacks in patrol vehicles.

Stocked with additional medical supplies, the backpacks will enable officers to provide swift, effective care when they are first at a scene.

The Casualty Care Breakout Bag program was initiated by Cst. Dion Roy in February 2023 after identifying a need for specialized medical equipment in patrol units for use during emergencies.

Cst. Dion's experience, alongside a parallel proposal from Det. Han Ho for large-scale critical events, revealed an opportunity for officers to provide more immediate life-saving needs during an emergency that EMS is unable to attend to in a timely manner.

“Our members want to help people, to save people,” says Inspector Tom Bechthold. “We want our members to be well equipped and be able to attend tovictims when they arrive on scene if EMS is not immediately available”.

Patrol officers are equipped with Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs), but the kits are primarily intended for self-use. This led to Det. Han and Cst. Roy’s collaborative effort to create and facilitate the Casualty Care Breakout Bags program.

Over the next month, the bags will be distributed among all patrol branches, ensuring swift and effective response capabilities for each area. The bags will be managed through a pool system, allowing members to check them out as needed for their shifts.

The Edmonton Police Foundation, with support from the Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program, funded the Casualty Care Breakout Bags initiative.

Seehawks and EPA Blues hold hockey rematch

09 Mar 2025 23:04:16 UT

Second annual game in memory of Constable Patrick Hannas a huge success.

It was the Battle of the Blades as the Edmonton Seehawks Blind Hockey team and the EPA Blues met for a rematch today in memory of Constable Patrick Hannas.

Hannas, who passed suddenly while volunteering on March 5, 2023, donated his time to a variety of groups, including the Seehawks.

EPA Director Constable Brennan Tousignant helped organize the second annual memorial game.

“Seeing the incredible number of his friends, family and supporters show up for the second year in a row is a testament to his dedication to the community and how much he was respected and loved by everyone who knew him,” says Tousignant.

The national anthem was performed by a talented group of acapella singers led by Sabrina Shaw from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

Seehawks goalie Nelson Rego said the singers embody the spirit of inclusion, resilience and community that drives the SeeHawks program. “Their performance honors Patrick’s passion for lifting others up, a value he brought to our team every day.”

The goal was to have fun, and everyone won as both teams hit the ice at the Rogers Place Downtown Community Arena. Rego said Hannas was a cherished volunteer. “His influence on our club—the only blind hockey program in the greater Edmonton area, serving both youth and adults—was immense, and this event keeps his legacy alive.”

“Patrick dedicated his time to helping everyone around him and this event allows us to pay our respects and commemorate him as the great person he is. Patrick is the reason we were able to build such a great partnership with the Seahawks Organization and to continue on with his legacy," says Tousignant.

EPS pilot makes history

08 Mar 2025 23:36:20 UT

“This is probably my greatest pride”

She’s been in the cockpit for more than three decades, but Jodie Granley is still getting accustomed to her new role as Chief Pilot for the Edmonton Police Service. The very first woman to hold the post in EPS history.

“It's almost sort of a weird feeling when I say I'm the chief pilot for the Edmonton police, and I fly Air-1. I feel like I'm bragging, but I'm not meaning to. It's just that I'm so proud of it,” said Granley.

She’s flown helicopters as a bush pilot for 33 years and she was the guest speaker at the Alberta Aviation Museum which celebrated Women of Aviation Worldwide Week.

“This is probably my greatest pride right here. Doing this right now. This job,” said Granley who was met by droves of aspiring young aviators.

Nominate the next Kiwanis Top Cop

28 Feb 2025 21:10:12 UT

Sergeant Ryan Katchur was named the Kiwanis Top Cop in 2024 for his exceptional volunteer work empowering young people.

Kiwanis is looking for a cop with lots of community spirit!

If you know an Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officer who has gone above and beyond volunteering in the community, nominate them for the Kiwanis Top Cop Award.

Since 1976, the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital has honoured 48 EPS officers for their outstanding contributions to the community and dedication to improving the lives of young people.

In recognition of this community spirit, Kiwanis donates $1,000 to the charity or non-profit organization of the award winner’s choice to help pay it forward and spread goodwill.

EPS is honoured to partner with Kiwanis in recognizing these valuable volunteer contributions and encourages you to nominate a police officer deserving of this community award.

Please fill out the attached nomination form and submit it before April 30, 2025.

The Kiwanis Top Cop Award poster is also available for sharing.

For more information, please email kiwanis@oilcapitalkiwanis.ca.

EPS partners go behind the curtain with control tactics

18 Feb 2025 19:50:59 UT

Members of the Chief’s Community Councils received a crash course in control tactics used by EPS.

Members of the Chief’s Advisory Councils (CAC) received a crash course in control tactics used by EPS. The CAC comprises citizens from various backgrounds and spans all segments of society, but on this night they all found out what it was like to stand in a police officer’s boots.

“We want to expose them to some information about what our members would be facing. But the bigger piece is to educate them on our processes: What are we doing? The research behind it. The science behind it,” said Staff Sgt. Joe Tassone.

Following an information session, CAC members geared up, paired off, and were given a brief rundown before entering situational scenarios. They were given the standard amount of information EPS members receive before responding to a call. For some, the lack of information was unsettling.

“You’re going in blind - you're given a small context and you have to kind of wing it. So, for me I was nervous,” said Zaki Haribe.

“I WOULD’VE BEEN DEAD”

The council members were placed in unpredictable situations with volatile subjects. Some of them have faced similar scenarios in their own line of work and were hoping to exploit that. Karlin Su works with psychiatric patients and says this experience was a mixed bag for her.

“I have been exposed to really stressful circumstances, but this was different. Instead of working in my environment where I know I have a team and resources that are behind me, I'm walking into a scenario where I literally don't know what I'm going into,” said Su.

The scenarios were recorded and later analyzed by the group which led to a Q & A session. Most of the guests, overall, were caught off-guard by the scenarios and say they have a better understanding of what police experience daily, and what isn’t shown on traditional and social media channels.

“Media is an entertainment business. They don't show everything. You don't get to know what happened beforehand, what the individual was doing,” said Taylor Dabison.

The overriding message was about context and transparency, while giving CAC members a small sample of life as a cop.

“I think it does give them an opportunity to truly understand and appreciate some of the competing interests that we go through,” said Tassone.

EPS rolls out red carpet for Black History Month Showcase

11 Feb 2025 20:34:41 UT

Celebrating the many contributions of Black Canadians.

The sound of a steelpan drum and the smell of jerk chicken greeted guests at EPS headquarters for the fourth annual Black History Month Showcase, a mix of music and food celebrating the many contributions of Black Canadians.

“I think it's a really important time to be reflective, to have a time to come together and celebrate all the achievements that the Black community has offered us. From the past, present, and into the future,” said Christie Pace of the EPS Community Relations Section.

The venue featured portraits of notable Black figures in Canadian culture and policing such as Edmonton’s first female and male black officers: Brenda Frederick and Harold Cornish. These are just some of the people credited for laying the foundation for future generations of Black people to make an impact on Canadian society.

“There's a ton of folks doing wonderful things, including policing,” said Pace. “I hope that people leave here with a sense of pride and excitement for the future generations of Black people and what they can contribute to our society.”

Also on hand was celebrated Toronto artist Ashante Blackwood. Her painting titled “The Blossom After the Storm” was featured in a national campaign by Artists Against Racism in 2023-24. Her work was purchased by the EPS Diversion and Desistance Branch where it will be displayed alongside works by local Indigenous artist Jordan Ernst.

The Black History Month Showcase was funded by the Edmonton Police Foundation. Special thanks to Diversion and Desistance Branch, Inspector Graham Hogg, and Detective Shane Faulkner, for helping to bring Ashante and her art to the EPS. Also, kudos to Eric Awauh and his interactive African drum group, and the BHM showcase planning committee.

Top concepts from ScamShield

28 Jan 2025 20:32:33 UT

Investor Protection Challenge selected to move forward.

The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), in partnership with the Edmonton Police Foundation (EPF) and Edmonton Police Service (EPS), is pleased to provide an update on the ScamShield: Investor Protection Challenge.

Launched in September 2024, the challenge called for innovative solutions to address the growing threat of online crypto investment fraud. More than 30 submissions were received, and a diverse panel of judges selected two concepts that demonstrated the best approaches to tackling this pressing issue.

“We look forward to the further development of these two ideas and their potential to make a meaningful impact in combatting online crypto investment fraud,” said Stan Magidson, Chair and CEO of the ASC. “We congratulate the winners and thank everyone who participated in this challenge for their dedication to investor protection.”

“The solutions presented through ScamShield highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing this complex and pervasive issue,” said Ashif Mawji, Past Chair of the Edmonton Police Foundation.

“While police continue to investigate the increasing amount of crypto investment frauds, it’s encouraging to see so many people in the community united through the ScamShield challenge to address this particular type of fraud,” said Deputy Chief Devin Laforce with the EPS Investigations and Support Services Bureau. “Law enforcement can’t tackle this problem alone, but with collective efforts like this, we can reduce these incidents and provide essential education and awareness to help Edmontonians identify this type of fraud. Thank you to everyone who participated in the challenge, and congratulations to the winners!”

More information about the winning solutions will be shared in the coming months. After they have undergone further stress testing, these tools will serve as important additions to the ASC’s investor protection resources available on CheckFirst.ca.

Online crypto investment fraud continues to evolve, and Alberta investors remain a target of sophisticated scams. The ASC estimates that in 2023, more than 60 per cent of the $309 million in investment fraud reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre was tied to crypto schemes. As part of the EPF’s Community

Solutions Accelerator, ScamShield put forth a challenge to innovators to develop a solution to online crypto investment fraud that would complement the work already being done by the ASC and law enforcement.

EPS and the EPF were the first to bring the Community Solutions Accelerator approach to policing in North America in 2020. The Community Solutions Accelerator leverages expertise, data, technology, and support from multiple sources to work collectively on challenges that have been identified by the community, social agencies, healthcare, and law enforcement.

The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province's securities laws. It is entrusted with fostering a fair and efficient capital market in Alberta and with protecting investors. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada's capital markets.

EPS named top employer for the fifth time!

28 Jan 2025 15:40:13 UT

Chief McFee proudly recognizes employees are the reason for the success.

EPS employees share in five-time Alberta top employer win

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for the fifth time and Police Chief Dale McFee is proudly recognizing that EPS’s incredible people are the reason for the success.

“Our people are our strength, this wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of sworn and civilian members and the support of the community we’re proud to serve,” said Chief Dale McFee.

Alberta’s Top Employers is an annual competition coordinated by Mediacorp Canada Inc. recognizing employers that lead their industries in offering outstanding places to work.

Mediacorp Canada Inc. announced their winners online in partnership with job search engine Eluta.ca, and in the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald on Jan. 28, 2025.

Employers are evaluated using eight criteria: Workplace; Work Atmosphere and Social; Health, Financial and Family Benefits; Vacation and Time Off; Employee Communications; Performance Management; Training and Skills Development; and Community Involvement.

Employers are also compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

“Our police service reflects the community, so we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of citizens and employees alike,” said Executive Director Katherine Salucop with EPS Human Resources.

“EPS has made significant changes to support greater community safety and well-being in recent years, which requires skilled and resilient employees to be a critical part of this transformation.”

Whether a sworn or civilian member, EPS offers one of Canada’s best training programs to ensure its employees can handle ever-changing situations and tasks, with specialized continuing education programs developed with the University of Alberta and other accredited institutions based on employee feedback.

EPS also provides a comprehensive benefits package to support its approximately 3,000 members professionally and personally throughout their careers, including a variety of supports and services for fitness, mental health, and the overall well-being of individuals and their families.

Everyone at EPS has opportunities to grow and advance their careers within the organization depending on their interests, which encourages meaningful contributions and a culture of innovation.

Chief McFee added, “We really value our people as individuals and we want them to have long, fulfilling careers with us.”

“At EPS, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our people feel supported, challenged, and valued. If you’re looking for a meaningful, rewarding career serving your community, we’d love to have you join our team.”

If you are interested in a career with EPS, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/joineps.

For more information on Alberta’s Top Employers for 2025, visit www.canadastop100.com/alberta.