Chief's awards

A number of awards are available to members of the Calgary Police Service and citizens who have made an extraordinary contribution to CPS. The most significant of these awards from the Calgary Police Service are the Chief’s awards.

Citizen recipients – Award of exceptional recognition

All citizens honoured with a Chief’s award are presented with the award of exceptional recognition, which recognizes an outstanding act of courage or the rendering of valuable assistance to the Calgary Police Service in the preservation of law and order.

In some cases, specific designations may be added to align with the awards presented to Service employees (ex. award of exceptional recognition for life saving).

Chief’s awards categories – Sworn and civilian members

Sworn and civilian members of the CPS may be honoured with awards in the following categories.

The Boyd Davidson memorial award is presented in memory of detective Boyd Davidson, who was killed in the line of duty in 1974, in recognition of an outstanding act of courage and heroism. It was presented for the first time in 1998.

The life saving award recognizes an act that goes above and beyond what would reasonably be expected, and in which the person saves or attempts to save the life of another.

Excellence in mental health intervention recognizes exemplary de-escalation techniques, compassion, respect or critical judgment in dealing with an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.

The award of excellence recognizes exemplary performance through a proactive and positive approach, sustained effort and sound judgement.

The community service award recognizes outstanding sustained effort which positively impacts the community.

The leadership award recognizes initiative in leading a team or a group to a significant accomplishment which positively impacts the community and the Calgary Police Service.

The award of investigative excellence recognizes exemplary performance in a complex investigation through innovation, perseverance and leadership.

Chief’s awards – Team citations:

The team citation recognizes exemplary team performance or achievement through diligence, sustained effort and sound judgment which contributes to the quality of life in the community or enhances the capacity of the Service.

The team citation for investigative excellence recognizes exemplary team performance during a complex investigation through sustained effort, perseverance and innovation. Criteria from the award of investigative excellence may be applied.

Submitting nominations

Nominations can be made by anyone for sworn officers, civilian members of CPS, or members of the public. For further information, email the Rewards and Recognition team at recognition@calarypolice.ca.