(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

By Nathaniel Leigh

Grande Prairie Police Service

GPPS’ third recruit class and sixth experienced officers class graduate

Mar 15, 2026 | 6:00 AM

Grande Prairie Police Service’s third class of recruits has graduated.

The 10 officers were honoured at a ceremony at Bonnetts Energy Centre Friday, Mar. 13, with local dignitaries, friends and family in attendance.

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

GPPS Chief Dwayne Lakusta says the recruits were a diverse selection from various backgrounds.

 “It speaks to the character of the culture that we’re building here, very positive,” Lakusta says. “I’m happy, I’m actually surprised at how quick these are coming up here. We’re now at 70 officers, with a goal of 91 here by the time we take over police jurisdiction, with a final headcount of 110, so we’re doing very well.”

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

The ceremony recognized the 10 recruits, as well as six experienced officers, including GPPS’ first canine handler Shane Weinmeyer, who was unable to attend as he was training Dante, their first police dog, in Calgary.

Chief Lakusta says he feels very confident the impending switchover in October will be a smooth transition.

“All our systems are coming into place, all our personnel are coming together, we’re working well with the RCMP right now, it’s going to be a smooth transition and handover,” he says. “I am very confident. There’s nothing that I’m concerned about at this point here.”

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

Among the graduates was Constable Caitlyn Vanstone, who not only received the Top Physical Training Award but was also recognized for ranking in the top 100 in fitness testing in the program and for setting a record-breaking pull-up record for female recruits.

Lakusta says only 10 recruits were chosen for the third intake out of hundreds of applicants to ensure the new police service was made up of exceptional officers.

“We’re not going to compromise quality over quantity,” he says. “We want to make sure we’re taking the best of the best, and this class is another representation that we’re keeping our standards high. They’ve earned it.”

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

The ceremony also saw the presentation of the first round of commendations for officers who have participated in dangerous and life-saving actions during their short time with the new service.

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)