Today, 29 new peace officers graduated at a ceremony held at HMCS Tecumseh, including 14 Calgary Transit peace officers, 13 Calgary Community Safety peace officers, and – for the first time – two officers from outside jurisdictions: Wheatland County and Banff Municipal Enforcement.
This marks the first time The City of Calgary’s peace officer training program has welcomed participants from other municipalities, offering a shared learning experience that brought together officers from both urban and rural communities.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see officers from different communities come together, learn from one another and build lasting connections,” said Training Sergeant Ian Stewart. “This class brought a wide range of experience and perspectives, and we’re proud to have helped prepare them for the important work ahead.”
Zach Dorscheid, a Calgary Transit peace officer and class valedictorian, brings a strong sense of purpose to his new role. Originally from a small town in southern Alberta, Dorscheid is passionate about improving public safety and community well-being.
“This career allows me to be out in the public, solving problems and helping people every day,” said Dorscheid. “I’m especially proud to be part of a team that’s working to make transit feel safer and more welcoming for everyone.”
Colby Pederson, one of the external graduates, will be returning to serve Wheatland County. A Mount Royal University graduate, Pederson said The City’s training program gave him the confidence and skills to succeed in law enforcement.
“The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, and training alongside officers from other jurisdictions gave me a broader perspective,” said Pederson. “I’m proud to be part of a program that gave me the tools to serve my rural community with confidence and compassion.”
Jonathan Mey, representing Banff Municipal Enforcement, brought a wealth of international experience to the class. A former detective constable with the South African Police Service, Mey immigrated to Canada in 2021 with his wife and three children, settling in Banff.
“This program was something I’ve worked toward since arriving in Canada,” said Mey. “The instructors were exceptional, and the training was adapted to reflect our towns and situations we may come across. I know my father, who served 44 years in law enforcement but is sadly no longer with us, would be proud of what I’ve achieved.”
The graduates come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences to their new roles. Whether driven by a passion for community service, a commitment to public safety or a desire to make a meaningful impact, each officer is united by a shared goal: to serve and protect with integrity and compassion.
The City of Calgary remains committed to supporting the development of skilled, community-focused peace officers who are ready to serve Calgary – and beyond – with professionalism and care.
