EDMONTON – He may not be Superman or Spider-Man, but the main character in a new comic book is a hero to many in the city and particularly the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).
Alex Decoteau was born on what’s now Red Pheasant First Nation, just south of North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
After his father died, Decoteau was sent to residential school, where he became an avid runner.
In 1909, the young man moved to Edmonton. Two years later, Decoteau joined the Edmonton Police Department, becoming the first aboriginal police officer in Canada.
Now, Decoteau’s life story is the subject of a new digital comic, produced by the EPS, called Legacy of Heroes.
“It’s a very important, very inspirational story. Alex was someone who was determined to get the most out of life,” said Jeff Awid, who wrote the comic book.
“It’s an honour to cover a historical figure that has an amazing story and to be able to help that story be told and come alive,” added Jared Robinson, the book’s illustrator.
After learning about Decoteau a few years ago, Awid thought a comic book would be the best way to share his story with a broad audience, both young and old.
The book was written and illustrated with the help of artifacts, historical information and stories from Decoteau’s relatives.
“Here’s someone… who is committed to life, determined to get the most out of life, but he also gave back to his community. He was a popular person in his community, he brought pride to the City of Edmonton,” said Awid.
“Kids are sitting in class, reading text books… why not give them a comic book? It’s history, it’s information that actually comes alive,” added Robinson.
And it’s been well-received. About 3,000 copies of Legacy of Heroes were printed and handed out to students at Edmonton’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings last week. Several more were requested by educators.
After leaving the Edmonton Police Department, Decoteau joined the army and fought in WWI. He was killed in October 1917 in the Battle of Passchendaele.
The goal is to release a comic every few months, telling inspirational stories within the EPS.
“I’m hoping this inspires other people, especially young people, to say ‘hey, what can I do with my life to make Edmonton a better place to live,'” said Awid.
The next issue of Legacy of Heroes will be about the first time an airplane was used to pursue a criminal in Canada. It was used to follow the suspect wanted in Constable William Nixon‘s murder. Nixon was the first EPS officer killed with a firearm.
With files from Laurel Gregory, Global News.
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