An Edmonton police officer has been honoured for his commitment to serving others beyond the badge. Staff Sgt. Paul Looker was named Kiwanis Top Cop on Friday. The award recognizes officers who make a difference in their community. Looker has spent more than three decades as a police officer. Outside of work he spends his time coaching youth basketball and rugby and supporting literacy initiatives. He’s the president of the St. Albert Rugby Football Club and has spent nearly two decades working with hundreds of young athletes. “Paul impressed our selection committee not only through the extent of his volunteer service but through the genuine impact he has had on so many young people,” Beverly Levis of the Edmonton Oil Capital Kiwanis Club said in a news release. “Paul truly represents the spirit of the Top Cop Award.” Kiwanis says multiple letters and messages were received in support of Looker’s nomination from fellow police officers, coaches, educators, parents and athletes. Looker’s work with young people is also reflected in his policing career. He has participated in the Edmonton Public Schools School Resource Officer program and volunteered with the EPS cadet program. As part of the reward, Kiwanis will donate $1,000 to Looker’s chosen charity, the St. Albert Rugby Football Club. This is the 50th year for the Kiwanis Top Cop award. The first award was presented to Staff Sgt. Joe Dumonceaux in 1976 for his work with minor hockey.
