New Police Constables Take Their Turn

A new class of Toronto Police Service recruits officially graduated on May 25, with 85 officers preparing to begin careers rooted in service, professionalism, and community trust.

Chief Myron Demkiw reminded the newcomers that policing is often measured not only by major investigations or arrests, but also by the way officers respond during the most vulnerable moments in people’s lives.

“Throughout your career, you will be called upon to help people on some of the most difficult days of their lives,” he said. “The way you show up and how you present yourself, every single time, must live up to this legacy and help build trust. We count on you to embody the Toronto Police uniform with all the professionalism, skills, and values it represents. Every contact matters. And as Chief, I will do everything I can to make sure you have what you need to succeed.”

Reflecting on his own 36-year career, Demkiw shared lessons he wished he had known when he first graduated, encouraging recruits to focus on understanding others, pursuing lifelong learning and prioritizing self-care.

“It is important to seek first to understand before you seek to be understood,” he noted. “Continuous learning and education will help enhance your knowledge, skills, and abilities, and there is immense value in consistently prioritizing and practicing self-care. Reflecting on my own career, I can pinpoint specific periods when I did not prioritize self-care, and those mistakes had an impact on both my personal and professional life. Self-care is vital to bulletproofing yourself against your upcoming experiences and building resilience as a police officer.”

The Chief emphasized that officers’ health, safety and well-being are essential to serving communities effectively.

“Prioritizing self-care is a commitment to yourself just as it is a commitment to your loved ones, many of whom are here this evening,” he said. “To the family members and friends joining us this evening, I can promise you that we will continue to do everything we can to ensure your favourite police officer is as safe as possible. Our members’ health, safety, and well-being will always be my priority.”

Demkiw reminded the graduating class that they are joining the largest municipal police service in Canada, a service that for nearly 200 years has protected the city, responded during some of the community’s most difficult moments, led complex investigations, built world-class specialized units and driven innovation through modern policing techniques.

“Now it’s your turn,” he said. “It’s your turn to show us what you’ve got.”

He also highlighted the wide range of opportunities available within the Toronto Police Service.

“There is no other service like this anywhere in Canada,” Demkiw said. “You can become a homicide investigator, you can help dismantle organized crime organizations, you can ride horses or motorcycles and most importantly, you can change a victim’s life simply by being there and listening to them.”

The Chief stressed that the Service is committed to equipping officers with the tools and support needed to succeed, while also expecting them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

“All Torontonians expect the very best from you,” Demkiw said. “When people call for help, they expect the highest standard of service and the highest degree of integrity. That is exactly what we will continue to deliver — nothing less.”

Toronto Police Service Board chair Shelley Carroll told graduates they are entering a profession built on trust, compassion and meaningful relationships with the communities they serve.

“Toronto is home to more than three million people, representing hundreds of languages, cultures, and communities from every corner of the globe,” she said. “It is a vibrant, complex, compassionate and constantly evolving city, and policing in Toronto requires people who understand that complexity.”

Carroll said the diversity within the graduating class will strengthen the Service’s ability to connect with residents across the city.

“When residents see themselves reflected in their police service, confidence grows,” she said. “When young people encounter officers who understand their experiences, relationships are strengthened. And when policing is rooted in respect, professionalism, empathy and fairness, communities become safer and stronger.”

She urged the graduates to wear the badge with humility, lead with integrity, remain connected to their communities and never lose sight of the responsibility and privilege that comes with the role.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told recruits that by putting service above self, they are committing to a profession where officers run toward danger to protect others.

“Together, we are working toward a safer and more caring community, and this journey depends on all of us,” she said. “Every chance I get to speak with Torontonians, they tell me the same thing and that is they want to feel safe. They want to know they are protected, and that is where you come in.”

Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner also addressed the graduating class.

“The Toronto Police Service flash represents continuity and, most importantly, the strength of our diversity,” he said.

For recruit Gillian O’Brien, policing marks the start of a completely new chapter. Originally from just outside Glasgow, Scotland, she moved to Toronto in August 2025 with her husband after years of teaching math abroad.

Looking for a fresh start and encouraged by her husband, O’Brien decided to pursue policing after learning more about opportunities within the Toronto Police Service.

“Toronto is so diverse, and there are endless opportunities within the Service,” she said.

Although policing is a very different career path, O’Brien believes her background in education prepared her well for the role.

“I love working with people and building relationships,” she explained. “Communication is one of my biggest strengths.”

One of the biggest adjustments during training was firearms instruction, which was unfamiliar to her because most police officers in Scotland do not carry guns.

Despite the challenge, O’Brien said she is excited to begin her career and explore specialized opportunities, including Police Dog Services or Mounted Unit.

“I am keeping an open mind,” she said. “There are so many exciting opportunities ahead.”

For Michael Hwang, a desire to help others has long been part of his identity. Growing up in the Greater Toronto Area surrounded by family friends in policing, he said he was drawn to law enforcement at a young age.

“I always hated seeing innocent people taken advantage of,” he said. “I remember thinking, ‘Why doesn’t somebody do something?’”

Before joining the Service, Hwang worked as a personal trainer and strength coach. After speaking with a longtime family friend in policing, he realized policing was the career he truly wanted.

“It sounded exciting, meaningful, and different every day,” he said. “I applied almost immediately after that conversation.”

Hwang said one of the biggest lessons from training was understanding just how complex policing can be.

“There are so many things officers have to think about at once like safety, communication, the law, and doing the right thing under pressure,” he noted.

Drawn to the Toronto Police Service because of its diversity and opportunities, Hwang said he is eager to see where his career may lead.

“Right now, it feels like an open book,” he said. “And that’s the exciting part.”

Several recruits were recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony.

Mark Peters earned the High Academic Achievement Award with a mark of 97 per cent, as well as the High Performance in Fitness Award. Gagandeep Shankar received the Most Improved Fitness Award while Christopher Ward was presented with the Gulshan Kassamali Diversity & Inclusion Award.

Andrew Zarour was the recipient of the Harry Mayzel Leadership Award and Maryam Sameh earned the Drill, Dress & Deportment Award, recently renamed the Jack Reid Toronto Police Military Veterans Association Award.

Reid joined Toronto Police in 1941 as a clerk in the Chief’s Office before taking leave two years later to enlist in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving aboard HMCS Longueuil during the Battle of the Atlantic.

The Glen Cole Memorial Award was presented to class valedictorian Ana Radovic. Broadcaster Glen Cole, for whom the award is named, died in 1990.

Training for Class 26-01 began on December 2 at Toronto Police College where recruits spent five weeks studying the Criminal Code, the Highway Traffic Act, and provincial legislation.

They also completed training in bias avoidance, Indigenous experiences, mental health and addictions, peer intervention, and LGBTQ2S awareness before continuing their education at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer.

At Aylmer, recruits focused on academics, police vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms training, and physical conditioning. After returning to Toronto Police College, they spent an additional 10 weeks completing scenario-based exercises, report writing, vehicle stops, and further physical training.

Following graduation, the recruits reported to their divisions for station orientation before being paired with coach officers who will mentor them through the next stage of their careers.

Continuing a long-standing tradition, the graduating class also raised money for charity. Through a bake sale, Class 26-01 raised more than $800 for The Hospital for Sick Children.