The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) proudly celebrated the graduation of Recruit Class #4 and Experienced Officer Programs #7 and #8 at a ceremony held today at Bonnetts Energy Centre. In a room filled with family, friends, dignitaries, and community supporters, 10 recruits and five experienced officers were formally welcomed to the service ahead of a major milestone for policing in Grande Prairie.
The ceremony marks the graduation of the final recruit class before GPPS becomes the police of jurisdiction for the City of Grande Prairie on October 21, 2026. Together, the graduates represent another important step in building a modern, community-focused police service designed to meet the needs of a growing city.
The members of Recruit Class #4 completed a comprehensive six-month training program delivered locally, including the Lethbridge Polytechnic Police Cadet Training Program, earning a certificate in Police Cadet Training upon graduation. The graduates bring a diverse mix of experience in law enforcement, military service, municipal enforcement, resource industries, and private sector roles, with seven having lived in or grown up in Grande Prairie, one joining from Dawson Creek, and two from elsewhere in Alberta.
“Today’s graduation marks more than the completion of a training program. It represents the culmination of years of planning, recruitment, and preparation as we build Grande Prairie’s municipal police service,” says GPPS Chief of Police Dwayne Lakusta. “Recruit Class #4 will forever hold a unique place in the history of our organization as the final class to graduate before we assume responsibility for policing in our community. We are proud of their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to public service.”
Following graduation, the new constables will continue their development through mandatory field training under the supervision of experienced GPPS officers, applying their training in operational policing environments as they prepare to serve the residents of Grande Prairie.
The ceremony also recognized the graduates of Experienced Officer Programs #7 and #8. These five officers join GPPS from police services across Canada, bringing a wide range of experience and specialized expertise that will further strengthen the organization's operational readiness as it prepares to assume jurisdiction later this month.
“The addition of experienced officers alongside newly trained recruits reflects our balanced approach to building a strong and sustainable police service,” says Lakusta. “Their diverse backgrounds and policing experience will enhance our ability to provide professional, effective, and community-focused policing from day one.”
With the addition of these graduates, GPPS now has 80 sworn officers, further strengthening the service's readiness to provide municipal policing in Grande Prairie beginning October 21, 2026.
