Chief Constable Major W. Beale and the Edmonton Police Force, Photo July 1908
The EPS has proudly served the citizens of Edmonton since Mayor Matthew McCauley issued Bylaw #15 on June 20, 1892, which allowed the municipality to appoint town constables to keep the peace.
“It’s my distinct privilege to help kick off this milestone year for the Edmonton Police Service,” says Chief Rod Knecht. “I encourage all Edmontonians to join us in commemorating our shared history and the strong community spirit that has kept this city safe and growing for well over a century.”
Celebrating with the Community, Klondike Days Parade, Photo July 1992
Through the efforts of the EPS 125th Anniversary Organizing Committee, numerous celebratory activities have been planned for 2017 including:
- Throwback Thursdays– A fun and nostalgic look through the EPS archives with historic photos and articles coming out weekly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Commemorative Comic Book – The fifth comic in the popular EPS Legacy of Heroes collection will be released, which will take readers “Back to the Beginning.”
- Oilers Recognition Event – The Edmonton Oilers will pay a special tribute to the EPS prior to the hockey game at Roger’s Place on Tuesday, March 7.
- Tree Planting– EPS officers will join school children for Arbor Day on Friday, May 5, and plant 125 trees to mark the 125th anniversary.
- Civic Celebration– Join EPS at Edmonton City Hall on Tuesday, June 20, for the official anniversary celebrations and cake. Later that evening the High Level Bridge will be lit up in EPS colours.
- K-Days Parade – The EPS Pipes and Drums and Honour Guard will lead officers and vehicles in full pageantry along the K-Days Parade route on Friday, July 21.
- Picnic in the Park – Come down to Borden Park on Sunday, August 20, for an afternoon of fun family activities with EPS members. Everyone is welcome.
- Legacy Dedication – EPS will carry on its historic legacy with an archival dedication on Thursday, December 14.
*Activities may be added or subject to change.
The EPS is marking the special anniversary with a commemorative logo that highlights the proud history of the service from its frontier town roots to being a leader in community policing today.
The logo features two constables, one reflecting on the past and one looking to the future, but both sharing a common purpose. The transition of the police service is seen in the colours, as well as in the uniform and diversity of the members represented. The silver maple leaf ties the anniversary of the police service to its Canadian heritage.
Ken Bruns, EPS Detective and Police Artist
For more information and regular updates regarding the anniversary, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/125years. If you have any historical information, photos or artifacts that you wish to share with the EPS, please contact the EPS 125th Anniversary Organizing Committee at EPS125@edmontonpolice.ca.