Change of command ceremony held to welcome Edmonton’s new police chief

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) held its Change of Command ceremony at City Hall for Edmonton's new chief of police, Warren Driechel.

The Edmonton Police Service held a change of command ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate new Chief Warren Driechel.

Driechel assumed command of EPS on Sept. 19.

Wednesday’s ceremony was marked with members of the service, as well as government leaders, public safety leaders, and members of the community.

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Driechel, 55, is the 24th chief of the EPS and the first member of the service to become chief in more than 20 years.

He started his career with EPS in 1997 and worked with several units, including organized crime and the gang unit.

Driechel says he plans to develop leadership from within the service to help guide the next generation of officers.

“I understand the challenges EPS members are facing; I’ve walked those same streets, felt the urgency for change, and have seen the ever-increasing complexity of modern policing,” Driechel said in a news release.

“I also want our members to know that support will always be there. Real support, for what they need.”

Members of the public are invited to follow the chief on his Instagram account.