The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) held a significant graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026, at City Hall, welcoming 34 new officers and two four-legged recruits to its ranks. The event marked the culmination of Recruit Training Class 165 and featured notable additions, including a former Canadian national sprinter and two specialized canine officers.
Ceremony Highlights
The graduation began with a performance by the Edmonton Police Pipes & Drums, followed by a prayer and congratulations from Elder Tom Snow of the Stoney Indian Reserve. EPS Deputy Chief Andria Wasylyshen addressed the gathering, honoring Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali and Toronto Police Service Const. Marc Pinizzotto, who recently lost their lives in the line of duty. She emphasized the evolving demands of policing, stating, "Policing today demands more than enforcement; it asks you to meet with empathy, compassion, and integrity."
Notable Graduate: Const. Benjamin Williams
Among the new officers was Const. Benjamin Williams, who moved to Edmonton from Jamaica at age 17. He became a Canadian citizen in 2014 and later pursued a career as a track and field sprinter, representing Canada before retiring in 2022. Williams holds a master's degree in business administration and brings a unique perspective to his role.
Canine Graduates
Two canine officers were also honored during the ceremony. Const. Mike Flavell completed the Dog Master Training course and now handles Police Service Dog Pablo, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands. Sgt. Scott Mitchler completed the human remains detection course and now handles Kuma, a two-year-old Labrador. Both dogs join the EPS canine unit, which has been active since 1967 and includes 17 dogs. The unit handles tasks such as tracking, detection, arrests, and evidence searches. Dog handlers must have at least five years of prior experience.
Community Engagement
Deputy Mayor Keren Tang attended the ceremony and encouraged the new officers to be agents of change. She highlighted the importance of modern policing complexities and urged them to serve as "a beacon of hope for someone from Edmonton." Throughout their training, the recruit class volunteered at EPS events, including the McCauley Cup and the Special Olympics Alberta Polar Plunge.
The ceremony concluded with a reminder from Wasylyshen: "Listen attentively, lead with empathy, act with compassion, and carry yourself with integrity in every interaction you have."
