Friday’s Edmonton Police Service (EPS) latest graduation was an eventful one, headlined by two new additions to the canine unit and a Canadian national sprinter turned officer.
Thirty-four new officers formally graduated from Recruit Training Class 165 at city hall, sharing the momentous achievement with friends, family, and fellow officers.
The Edmonton Police Pipes and Drums began the event with powerful playing, and they continued as the room fell silent. Afterwards, Elder Tom Snow from the Stoney Indian Reserve said a prayer and congratulated the new officers.
Before the officers were introduced and handed their badges, EPS Deputy Chief Andria Wasylyshen stopped to honour Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Const. Tarun Bali and Toronto Police Service Const. Marc Pinizzotto, who were recently killed in the line of duty, while reminding new recruits about what it means to be an officer.
“Policing today demands more than enforcement, it asks you to meet with empathy, compassion, and integrity,” Wasylyshen said. “Those values must shape how you serve, how you make decisions, and how you build trust with the community.”
Friday’s first graduate, Const. Benjamin Williams, was raised in Jamaica until age 17 before moving to Edmonton and becoming a Canadian track and field sprinter before retiring in 2022.
New Edmonton Police Service members Const. Mike Flavell and police service dog Pablo pose for a photo before taking part in the graduation ceremony for EPS recruit Training Class 165 at city hall on Friday, June 12, 2026. 34 new police officers and two canines graduated during the ceremony.
Top dog grads
Two specific officers were also honoured separately — Wasylyshen made sure to remind the crowd that “two four-legged graduates” would be joining EPS.
Const. Mike Flavell completed the dog master training course and now handles one of the new police service dog recruits named 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.
They join 15 other dogs in the EPS canine unit, which was officially formed in 1967. The canine unit covers everything from tracking and detection to arrests and evidence search. Constables must have at least five years of prior experience to become dog handlers.
Deputy Mayor Keren Tang was also in attendance. She encouraged the officers to be the change they want to see in the community and stressed how important the complexities of modern policing are.
“You can provide support to our city and be a beacon of hope for someone from Edmonton,” she said.
This recruit class also worked with the community throughout their training, volunteering at multiple EPS events like the McCauley Cup and the Special Olympics Alberta Polar Plunge.
Throughout the ceremony, officers were commended for their selflessness, determination, and toughness. Wasylyshen gave the graduates a reminder. “Listen attentively, lead with empathy, act with compassion, and carry yourself with integrity in every interaction you have.”
EPS Recruit Training Class 165 during their graduation ceremony at city hall on Friday, June 12, 2026. 34 new police officers and two canines graduated during the ceremony. David Bloom/Postmedia
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