Edmonton Police Service graduation crowns 34 new officers and two canine recruits
Edmonton Police Service graduation at city hall on June 12, 2026, saw 34 new officers and two police dogs formally sworn in, underscoring a push for community-focused policing in the city.
Ceremony honours 34 recruits and two canines
The graduation for Recruit Training Class 165 took place at Edmonton city hall on Friday, June 12, 2026, and was attended by family, friends and civic leaders. The Edmonton Police Pipes and Drums opened the event and Elder Tom Snow offered a prayer, setting a ceremonial tone for the badge presentations.
Deputy Chief Andria Wasylyshen presented the badges to the new constables and paused to acknowledge two recently fallen officers from other services. The ceremony blended solemn remembrance with celebration as recruits received their formal credentials.
Leaders pay tribute and set expectations
Wasylyshen used the moment to honour Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali and Toronto Police Service Const. Marc Pinizzotto, both recently killed in the line of duty. She reminded recruits that policing requires more than enforcement, urging them to bring empathy, compassion and integrity to every interaction.
Deputy Mayor Keren Tang addressed the room and called on officers to be agents of positive change in Edmonton neighbourhoods. Her remarks stressed the complexity of modern policing and the importance of building trust with residents.
Notable graduates include former national sprinter
The class’s first graduate, Const. Benjamin Williams, was introduced to the audience with his background in athletics and international roots. Raised in Jamaica until age 17, Williams competed as a national-level sprinter for Canada before retiring from the sport in 2022 and pursuing a career in policing.
Organizers noted that the recruit cohort brought a range of life experiences and skills to the service. Those varied backgrounds were credited with strengthening the force’s ability to connect with diverse communities across the city.
Canine unit expands with Pablo and Kuma
Two four-legged graduates were highlighted separately when the service announced additions to its canine unit. Const. Mike Flavell completed dog handler training with Pablo, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois imported from the Netherlands, who will join patrol and detection duties.
Sgt. Scott Mitchler completed human remains detection training with Kuma, a two-year-old Labrador chosen for specialized recovery tasks. The two dogs join 15 others in the Edmonton Police Service canine unit, which has handled tracking, detection and evidence searches since its formation in 1967.
Requirements and role of dog handlers
Police dog handlers at EPS must meet eligibility requirements, including a minimum of five years’ prior service as a constable before applying to the canine unit. The unit’s responsibilities range from tracking suspects to locating narcotics and assisting in complex investigations.
Officials said the recent canine additions will be deployed where their specialized skills are most needed and will work alongside patrol teams and investigators. The service emphasized that canine teams are important force multipliers that enhance public safety and investigative capacity.
Training, community work and next steps
Recruit Training Class 165 completed a program that combined operational skills with community engagement, officials said. During their training, members volunteered at local events including the McCauley Cup and the Special Olympics Alberta Polar Plunge, activities the service highlighted as vital to building community links.
Throughout the ceremony, graduates were commended for resilience and dedication, and Wasylyshen reiterated core values for new officers. She urged them to listen attentively, act with compassion, and carry out their duties with integrity as they transition to frontline assignments.
The recruits will be deployed across duties and districts following administrative processing and field orientation, joining veteran officers in patrol, community policing and investigative roles. The service said the cohort strengthens operational capacity at a time when relationship-building with residents remains a strategic priority.
The Edmonton Police Service graduation marked both an endpoint of intensive training and the beginning of active service for the newest officers and canine teams, who will soon be visible across the city in their patrol and specialist roles.
