REGINA — Seventeen members of the Regina Police Service were honoured this week for reaching a milestone few people ever experience in their careers: 20 years of exemplary service protecting the citizens of Regina.
The officers were presented with 20-Year Exemplary Service Medals during a ceremony at historic Government House by Her Honour, Bernadette McIntyre, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
The recognition celebrates two decades of dedication, professionalism and service in a career that demands resilience, compassion and courage every single day.
“These officers have such a vast array of experience, from forensic identification specialists to traffic and reconstruction specialists, community engagement champions to human trafficking experts, major case management specialists to mental health champions and more,” explained Lorilee Davies, Chief of the Regina Police Service.
“Not only are they great at their jobs, but many are also parents, coaches, instructors and volunteers. We appreciate their wide-ranging contributions and ongoing dedication to community.”
A career measured in service
The Exemplary Service Medal program recognizes police officers across Canada who have completed 20 years of honourable and exemplary service, often in challenging and unpredictable circumstances.
Policing is widely recognized as one of the most demanding public service careers. Officers routinely respond to emergencies, violent incidents, mental health crises, traffic collisions and calls for help from people experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
For many officers, the job requires long shifts, overnight work and missed holidays with family, all while maintaining the mental and physical readiness required to serve the public safely.
Chief Davies said reaching the 20-year mark represents extraordinary dedication.
“I want to thank these officers for the sacrifices that lead them to this milestone in their careers,” Davies said.
“I want to thank them for their tireless service to community. I want to thank them for protecting our most vulnerable citizens and for holding accountable our most dangerous.”
A police service built on community
Founded in 1892, the Regina Police Service has grown into one of Saskatchewan’s largest municipal police agencies. Today the service includes hundreds of sworn officers and civilian members working across patrol, investigative units, community services and specialized teams.
Over the years, officers have responded to tens of thousands of calls annually ranging from routine community assistance to complex major crime investigations.
Those honoured this week represent many different parts of the organization, reflecting the wide scope of modern policing.
Among the recipients are specialists who have worked in forensic identification, collision reconstruction, major crime investigations and community engagement. Others have focused on complex areas such as human trafficking investigations and mental health response.
The unseen support behind the badge
Davies also acknowledged the families who stand behind officers throughout their careers.
Police work often requires unpredictable schedules and emotional resilience that affects not only the officers themselves but also the people who support them at home.
“We also thank the families and loved ones of these officers,” Davies said.
“They have also sacrificed a lot, from rearranging life and missing holidays and birthdays to accommodate shift work to supporting these officers after the tough days and the tough calls for service.”
A moment to reflect
Ceremonies like the one held at Government House offer a rare opportunity to pause and recognize the commitment required to serve a community for two decades.
For the 17 Regina officers honoured this week, the medal represents far more than a milestone. It reflects years of late-night calls, difficult investigations, community conversations and countless moments of service that often go unnoticed.
Davies said she was proud to celebrate that legacy.
“I am proud to be able to share in this celebration with each of the 17 recipients.”
For Regina residents, the moment served as a reminder of the people who have spent the last twenty years working quietly behind the scenes to help keep the city safe.
