Sgt. Grant Jongejanwas selected Top Cop for volunteering countless hours to Edmonton high school football teams.
Marking the award’s 40-year history, the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital, remains committed to recognizing an outstanding Edmonton Police Service officer for their volunteer contributions.
For more information, please contact the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital at www.oilcapitalkiwanis.ca.
Volunteer and career highlights
Grant Jongejan has coached high school football for nearly two-and-one-half decades: 20 years with St. Francis Xavier High School, and recently at Ross Shepherd High School.
Over the years, Grant has exposed other EPS members to the triumphs and challenges of the gridiron. Acting Staff Sgt. Steven Maertens-Poole, who nominated Grant, says, “In addition to taking on the duties of a high school football coach, Grant actively recruits other EPS members to volunteer their time. His leadership and enthusiasm resulted in a total of five EPS members having a positive impact on hundreds of student athletes over the past two decades.”
Lee Burke, a teacher and former football coach at St. Francis Xavier, has enjoyed a relationship with Grant both on and off the field. “Grant is rare, and our community is so blessed with his service. It is so fitting we can honour one who honours us every single day with his passion and commitment to our community. This is a humble person who never seeks to receive accolades, which he so richly deserves. I am so very proud to call him a friend.”
Grant started with EPS in1995. Today, he is a respected sergeant with the Bomb Detail of the Tactical Section within EPS. He also serves as Chair of the Tri-Service CBRN Response Group (Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Fire Rescue, and Alberta Health Services), and is currently President of the Canadian Explosive Technician’s Association. He is described as an exceptional team player who will take the lead and assist others any way he can.