First Nations’ police chiefs commissioned

Police chiefs Lee Boyd, of the Blood Tribe, and Keith Blake, of Tsuu T’ina First Nation, were among 10 police chiefs, and the only First Nations police chiefs, to be recognized by the province in September in Alberta’s first official commissioning of senior officers in municipal and First Nations police agencies. The official parchments, awarded by Lt. Gov. Donald S. Ethell, identify their new status as commissioned officers, an honour indicating their rank is acknowledged by the state. Historically, military and RCMP officers have been commissioned once they achieve a senior rank. Now Alberta is extending this honour to municipal and First Nations police. In total, 106 officers will be commissioned this year. As well, from this year on, officers who achieve a senior rank will be commissioned.