Edmonton police officer honoured for his contributions to Special Olympics Alberta

Const. Thomas Cleal of the Edmonton Police Service has been named the Top Cop of 2024 by the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton for his work with the Special Olympics.

Const. Thomas Cleal of the Edmonton Police Service has been named the Top Cop of 2024 by the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton.

Thomas was nominated by Stephanie Gulley with Special Olympics Alberta for his commitment to the program.

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“I think Thomas is a great asset to our program,” she told reporters on Friday. “He definitely has contributed to our fundraising initiatives. He’s really good at having a blend of humility and relentless kind of commitment, where he can tell people that they need to get involved and that this is really important, and then do it in a respectful way.”

Thomas has been involved with Special Olympics Alberta since 2016, when he started with the Calgary Polar Plunge.

Since then, he has carried the flame for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and been a dedicated champion, including organizing fundraisers and acting as a coach and mentor to athletes.

“I was kind of surprised when I was informed that I was getting this recognition because I’m not necessarily somebody that enjoys the spotlight,” Cleal said. “But if it’s going to bring awareness to the Special Olympics and bring more attention to our Special Olympics athletes, then I’m happy to be a part of doing that.”

“I just wanted to be involved to help them have the same benefits that I would have had as a kid growing up participating in sport.”

In honour of Cleal’s contributions, the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton is donating $1,000 to Special Olympics Alberta.