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.
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
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.”
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.