Edmonton Police Service celebrates 125-year history with gala event Saturday

Police officers and dignitaries filled the Shaw Conference Centre Saturday evening to celebrate a major milestone for the Edmonton Police Service.

This year marks 125 years of policing in Edmonton.

READ MORE: Edmonton Police Service prepares to mark major milestone

“In 1892 we were formed as a police service with one constable and in 1905 we went to four constables and a chief of police and this evening we’re representing over 2,600 employees,” Chief Rod Knecht said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "In 1892 we were formed as a police service with one constable and in 1905 we went to four constables and a chief of police and this evening we're representing over 2,600 employees," Chief Rod Knecht said.

Nearly 1,000 people attended Saturday’s gala, which included special guest appearances from Connor McDavid and a video message from Wayne Gretzky.

On Tuesday night, the Edmonton Oilers paid tribute to the EPS during the pre-game warm-up.

Watch below: Edmonton Oilers to help Edmonton Police Service celebrate milestone

1:08 Edmonton Oilers to help Edmonton Police Service celebrate milestone

To mark the anniversary, the entire year is filled with celebrations.

“We’ve got a really good relationship in the community and this year we’re going to celebrate that,” Knecht said. “We invite the community to celebrate with us, participate with us.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We've got a really good relationship in the community and this year we're going to celebrate that," Knecht said. "We invite the community to celebrate with us, participate with us."

READ MORE: ‘They have nostalgic value’: Edmonton police collect artifacts for 125th anniversary

A special celebration is planned for all EPS staff in June and a community event will be held in August.

Global’s Gord Steinke hosted the event.