‘Proud of this moment’: Badges given to eight new police graduates in Lethbridge

Eight police cadets in Lethbridge have officially graduated from their training program.

During a ceremony held Thursday afternoon at Lethbridge Polytechnic, the cadets crossed the stage and received their badges.

The cadets underwent a 23-week program at the polytechnic.

The program is designed in collaboration with the core police services of southern Alberta, aiming to meet industry demand.

Seven of the cadets will join the Lethbridge Police Service, while one will work with the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Police Service.

“I’m feeling really good (and) I’m feeling proud of this moment,” said Faith Dore, Lethbridge Police Service cadet.

“Myself and my fellow cadets, we’ve worked really hard these last six months. We have a wealth of knowledge that we’re ready to bring into the community, and so this is a big celebration for us and our colleagues.”

“Six months of hard work, academically and physically, all of those skills combined with long workdays, family life and everything outside of being a cadet, it’s a lot to manage,” said Parker Grabler, Lethbridge Police Service cadet.

“But once you get into the swing of things, it’s really nice when it all comes together.”

The graduates will begin their work at each police service in the coming weeks.