The Edmonton Police Service is calling on the public to help select its "Top Cop" for 2026, an award that shines a light on officers who go above and beyond their official duties to make a meaningful impact in the community. Nominations are open until April 30, allowing residents to recognize law enforcement members for their exceptional volunteerism and service.
Honoring a Legacy of Community Engagement
Established in 1976, the Top Cop award has a rich history of celebrating officers who excel not just in policing, but in community involvement. The inaugural recipient was Staff Sergeant Joe Dumonceaux, who was lauded for his efforts to reduce violence in minor hockey, setting a precedent for the award's focus on civic contributions. This tradition continues today, emphasizing the importance of officers who step out of their uniforms to serve.
Partnership with Kiwanis Club
The award is presented in collaboration with the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital, a local branch of the global charity dedicated to improving children's lives. Beverly Levis, the local president, explained that the award aims to highlight "meritorious community service" rather than solely law enforcement achievements. "They live in our community, they work in our community, and I think it demonstrates the depth of people that we have in our police force," Levis stated.
Examples of Past Recipients
Previous winners include Const. Daniel Tallack, known for his support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and youth initiatives, and Det. Manuel Illner, who mentors children in sports and fundraises for the Zebra Centre. These officers exemplify the spirit of the award, showcasing how police can positively influence lives outside of their official roles.
Instilling Volunteerism from the Start
Supt. Bart Lawczynski, who works in human resources with EPS, emphasized that volunteerism is a core value instilled in recruits from the beginning. Officers are expected to participate in hundreds of hours of community service, helping those in need. "It's important for building trust, that people see officers serving when they're not in uniform," Lawczynski noted. He added that the Kiwanis award highlights "stuff that's beyond the badge," which the public often doesn't get to see.
Qualities of a Modern Community Police Officer
While community service is a key criterion for the Top Cop award, Lawczynski outlined essential qualities for excellence in modern policing. EPS seeks recruits from diverse backgrounds who are motivated by a desire to make a difference. Beyond teachable hard skills, soft skills like emotional intelligence, empathy, and sympathy are crucial. "Respect is huge. Respect goes a long way in building trust. And that's what we're ultimately trying to do, is build trust in our communities," Lawczynski affirmed.
The Top Cop award not only honors individual officers but also reinforces the Edmonton Police Service's commitment to fostering strong, trust-based relationships with the community through dedicated service and engagement.
