Det. Illner is receiving the Kiwanis Top Cop award for his ongoing commitment to improving the lives of children as a police officer and a coach.
He was nominated by Lori Farquharson Persaud, Executive Director of the Fort Edmonton Foundation (former Acting CEO / Director of Business and Community Development with Edmonton’s Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre).
For several years, the two worked closely together to support child abuse victims, and Det. Illner volunteered his time to assist with Zebra’s public education and fundraising efforts.
“I am pleased to nominate Det. Manuel Illner as I believe he exemplifies everything this role represents and is a true ambassador for EPS and our community. He continuously looks for additional ways to make a difference for his community and youth, and he volunteers, coaches, and mentors numerous children and youth through sport. His passion and commitment are his strongest traits, and when he commits, he delivers.”
For the past 10 years, Det. Illner has also volunteered as a coach with St. Albert Slam Basketball, where he encourages and motivates young players to do their best.
As part of the award, the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital is donating $1,000 to the charity of Det. Illner’s choice, which is the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Det. Illner is the 47th EPS officer recognized by Kiwanis for outstanding volunteer contributions in the community since 1976. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital, please visit www.oilcapitalkiwanis.ca.
About Detective Manuel Illner
Manuel was born in Germany and his family came to Canada when he was eight years old. It was a challenge to fit in, but his confidence and sense of belonging grew as he started playing sports and excelling at them.
He not only loved playing sports, but coaching them as well, and after high school he completed a Bachelor of Education degree to become a Phys-Ed teacher. However, he felt called to serve the community as a police officer, so he joined the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) in 2008.
After a series of assignments, Manuel was promoted to detective with the EPS Child Protection Section at the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre. His background was an asset, and he helped children find their voice and provide crucial information in criminal investigations. But he wanted to do more, and began assisting Zebra with numerous fundraisers and events to build awareness of child abuse and better support victims.
Seeing first-hand the need for children to have positive role models in their lives, Manuel began volunteering as a coach with St. Albert SLAM Basketball. For 10 years, he has dedicated his time and energy to mentoring young players in a fun and safe environment. He continues today with the same passion, encouraging and motivating youth to do their best, and helping them develop valuable life skills for the future.
Whether coaching or policing, Det. Manuel Illner is always ready to rally the team together to make the community a better place.
