Lethbridge Polytechnic, the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) and the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) are congratulating 10 new officers on their completion of the Police Cadet Training program.
The graduating class included eight recruits from the LPS: Taylor Althouse, Garrett Chiddle, Denver Gould, Eva Klassen, Harley Sims, Jaspreet Singh, Steele Stef and Laine Wilson; and two cadets from the MFNPS: Kyle Bauman and Jarrod Kyca.
All graduates are newly hired police officers who have spent the past 22 weeks sharpening their front-line policing skills in preparation for careers in public safety.
Awards presented at this afternoon's graduation ceremony include:
- Eva Klassen and Harley Sims, Top Academic Award
- Eva Klassen, Top Physical Training Award
- Eva Klassen, Top Cadet Award
- Harley Sims, Silent Leader Award
- Garrett Chiddle, Dwayne Smith Officer Safety Award
"These cadets are embarking on an honourable and challenging career path, and we are so excited to welcome them to our police family," says Lethbridge Police Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh. "Today's celebration is also the result of the hard work of our recruiters, program facilitators, Lethbridge Polytechnic faculty and staff, and countless others who have played a critical role in this process. My sincere gratitude and thanks to all the individuals who have invested in training and supporting our newest additions to the Lethbridge and Manitoba First Nations Police Services."
Manitoba First Nations Police Service Chief Doug Palson also offered congratulations to the graduates and asked them to remember the seven sacred teachings of truth, honesty, wisdom, humility, respect, courage and love.
"It starts with yourself and self-respect," he says. "How you carry yourself, how you interact with the community, with your family, with your friends, and the people you're serving and working with. And while courage is self-explanatory when it comes to policing, you also have to have the courage to stand up to do what's right. Always do the right thing and focus on being kind."
Chief Palson also congratulated Lethbridge Polytechnic on its Police Cadet Training program and the partnerships the institution has developed over the years.
Formed in collaboration with the core police services of southern Alberta, Lethbridge Polytechnic's Police Cadet Training program is designed to meet industry demand and ensure newly hired officers are well-trained in both hard skills, such as firearms use, and soft skills, such as interpersonal communication, ethical accountability and teamwork.
It's the only police training program of its kind in Canada.
"It's an honour to assist in preparing recruits to serve their communities and launching them on their policing careers," says Trudi Mason, dean of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Centre for Justice and Human Services. "We are also proud of the partnerships that have developed between the polytechnic and policing services in our regions and beyond. It's one more way to live the institution's vision of embracing our responsibility to students, employees and partners who look to us for learning, opportunity and belonging."
Upcoming recruit classes will be offered by Lethbridge Polytechnic starting on July 15.
The Lethbridge Police Service is currently accepting applications for cadet training classes in January 2025. To learn more about the recruitment process, visit www.lethbridgepolice.ca/join-our-team.
To learn more about joining the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, email recruitment@mfnp.ca.
