34 new Edmonton police officers graduate, including two canines
Recruit Training Class 165 sworn in at City Hall includes Const. Benjamin Williams, a former Canadian track sprinter, and two new police service dogs.
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Edmonton Police Service Recruit Training Class 165 formally graduated Friday, June 12, at City Hall with 34 new officers and two canines, marking a significant expansion of the service's capacity.
Const. Benjamin Williams was the first to receive his badge. He was raised in Jamaica until age 17, moved to Edmonton, and became a Canadian track and field sprinter before retiring in 2022 to pursue policing.
Two four-legged graduates also joined the force. Const. Mike Flavell completed the Dog Master Training course and now handles 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, officially formed in 1967.
EPS Deputy Chief Andria Wasylyshen reminded new recruits of the weight of the job. "Policing today demands more than enforcement, it asks you to meet with empathy, compassion, and integrity," she said. She also honoured Ontario Provincial Police Const. Tarun Bali and Toronto Police Service Const. Marc Pinizzotto, who were recently killed in the line of duty, to underscore what service means.
The ceremony reflected a force thinking about depth and capability — new officers and specialized canines working together for the city.