Success Stories

Honouring the mothers who serve and inspire

09 May 2025 21:02:10 UT

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!

The Edmonton Police Foundation is the honoured recipient of the 2025 Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

28 Apr 2025 17:44:24 UT

The Edmonton Police Foundation has been chosen as the honoured recipient of the 2025 Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign. This partnership offers an incredible opportunity to support vital youth programs—ensuring that 100% of the sales from Smile Cookies sold in Edmonton directly benefit the well-being and development of young people in our community.

Your participation is crucial; the more cookies sold, the greater an impact we can achieve. We aim to harness this funding to profoundly impact Youth Diversion and Intervention Programs, key to preventing young individuals from falling into cycles of crime and the justice system.

When you purchase a Smile Cookie, you will be supporting the following initiatives:

Missing Youth: Promoting trust through dedicated support

A portion of the funds raised will focus on enhancing our resources for officers who engage directly with missing youth once they are found. Trust and rapport are foundational to helping these individuals feel secure and supported by our police officers. With no current funding for rapport-building efforts, this campaign’s funds will be instrumental in offering meals, clothing, hygiene items, and meaningful activities. By building trust, we aim to ensure youth are not frightened or alienated from police. Instead, they will feel comfortable reaching out to officers when in need, reducing incidents of runaway situations and minimizing criminal activities born out of desperation and misplaced mistrust.

DiversionFirst: Guiding a new path

Support from the Smile Cookie Campaign will enable the DiversionFirst program to maintain its critical operations for youths who have committed first-time, non-violent offenses. Basic supplies like journals, facility rentals, and engagement activities are crucial for youth to reconsider and reshape their futures outside the justice system. This program not only prevents entry into the legal system but also fosters personal growth and responsibility, steering participants away from a cyclical path of future offenses and recidivism.

Y:Five-0: Rehabilitation and reintegration

The funds will also support the Y:Five-0 initiative, dedicated to providing comprehensive support for our top 50 most concerning young offenders in Edmonton. By directing them towards rehabilitation through extracurricular activities, camping with mentors, and Indigenous cultural programs, we aim to reduce reoffending and foster reintegration into society. Identity, support, and community understanding will empower these individuals to transform their lives positively.

Oskayak Police Academy: Building bridges, empowering Indigenous youth

“Oskayak” Police Academy (meaning “Youth” in Cree) was created to build stronger, more meaningful relationships between Indigenous youth and the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). This two-week program is designed for self-identified Indigenous youth in Grades 10–12 and brings together both EPS practices and Indigenous worldviews.

OPA is led by the two Indigenous Relations Advisors within EPS, with the support of many dedicated EPS members who help plan, facilitate, and support the program. Together, they create a space for learning, connection, and dialogue—challenging stereotypes and encouraging mutual understanding.

Through cross-cultural training and relationship-building activities, youth and police officers engage in meaningful conversations that promote compassion and break down barriers. By bridging the gap between Indigenous youth and police, OPA aims to foster trust, support community safety, and inspire positive change for a more connected and respectful Edmonton.

Operation Ready, Set, School: inspiring confidence, creating safer schools

The funding will bolster Operation: Ready, Set, School, a program designed to empower at-risk youth selected by EPS School Resource Officers (SROs). Inviting youth to West Edmonton Mall, this initiative organizes a scavenger hunt to equip them with essential school supplies. By nurturing confidence and readiness for the school year, these young individuals are more likely to excel academically, minimizing potential involvement in troubling activities. Additionally, through engaging with their SROs in this friendly environment, they can build robust, trusting relationships, ultimately enhancing safety and support throughout the school year.

Operation Find Santa: uniting through adventure

Operation Find Santa is a mission-driven scavenger hunt held at West Edmonton Mall, aimed at fostering strong, positive relationships between police officers and Indigenous families in Edmonton. At the heart of this elaborate, theatrical event, families are invited to have breakfast with Santa at the Fantasyland Hotel alongside members of the Edmonton Police Service. However, the excitement heightens when it’s revealed that Santa has been kidnapped by the Grinch, as announced by Police Chief Devin Laforce. This revelation sets off an adventurous quest in which families and police officers form teams to search the mall for clues, encountering various treats and relationship-building activities along the way. The shared journey culminates in locating the Grinch, rescuing Santa, and recovering all the Christmas gifts and groceries, creating a triumphant and heartwarming conclusion. Through this collaborative and festive experience, Operation Find Santa aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous families and the police service by building trust and mutual understanding. Stronger trust in police fosters a safer community by enhancing cooperation, reducing misunderstandings, and encouraging a collaborative approach to safety and justice.

To learn more about how Santa is saved, please watch this CTV story: CTV News Story

Youth Recruit Academy: understanding policing and building connections

The EPS’ Youth Recruit Academy (YRA) provides high school students with a glimpse into the career of an EPS recruit constable. Designed to offer young individuals’ insight into the first year as a police recruit, the YRA allows participants to collaborate with EPS members, ask questions, and connect with peers who share an interest in policing. By understanding policing more deeply, youth can foster stronger relationships with law enforcement, leading to enhanced trust and cooperation within the community. This understanding promotes a shared sense of responsibility, encourages positive interactions, and empowers youth to contribute to safer communities through informed perspectives on public safety and crime prevention initiatives. Join us in making a difference in the lives of Edmonton’s youth by participating in the 2025 Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign. All proceeds help fund critical youth programs aimed at ensuring a better future for our community.

For more information about how purchasing a Smile Cookie will benefit the community, please reach out to elisha@edmontonpolicefoundation.com or 587-226-6329.

EPS volunteer with 9,000 hours honoured

28 Apr 2025 14:25:56 UT

He’s a gatekeeper at West Branch. One of first faces people see when seeking help from police. His name is Fred Freeman, and Fred’s job is to listen, learn, and assess.

“I think of it as triage…nobody comes in here happy,” said Freeman.

The 82-year-old is a former engineer, and he treats his second career like a real job. Except it’s not.

Fred is a volunteer.

He may not wear a badge, but Freeman is regarded as a major asset behind the counter.

He’s been on the job for nearly 15 years.

“I think it's exceptionally rare. I can't think of a person who puts in that kind of volunteer time,” said front counter supervisor Constable Erika Fryk.

“Knowing Fred's going to be here helps us to know that we're going to get the opportunity to focus on the police work that we have ongoing.”

Fred never expected to be an EPS volunteer after retirement. In fact, he almost quit after his first shift, but he came back and decided to stay.

“People need three things in life to be happy: one to be loved, something to do, something to look forward to. And this gives me all of that,” said Freeman.

West Branch Patrol members recently gathered to pay tribute to the man with over 9,000 hours of volunteer work. Fred didn’t stay long. He seems to be more comfortable behind the front counter than in the spotlight.

“These guys treat me with a lot of respect. Everybody around here does. And that's really hard to replace. That makes you feel like you're part of a team,” said Fred.

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.