The Lacombe Police Service, one of Alberta’s oldest municipal police forces, is celebrating 125 years of serving the community.
A community barbecue was held Friday at the detachment, drawing more than 200 people. Proceeds from the event went to Lacombe Victim and Witness Services, which provides support to victims of crime and connects them with community agencies.
Chief Jason Dobirstein, who has led the service since mid-June, says the anniversary is a proud moment both professionally and personally.
“This is where I grew up, so everywhere I go, I know someone and I’m very comfortable here,” he said.
Dobirstein’s father served as interim chief in 1995, and he recalls stories about the service’s early years — including the pay scale at the time.
“When he was first offered the job, I think it was $325 a month that he wanted to work for,” Dobirstein said with a laugh. “The first day he got to work, everyone congratulated him in the police service because they all got a raise.”
The chief noted how far the service has come since its beginnings, from working without radios or phones to evolving into a modern policing agency.
“It’s an honour to follow in my dad’s footsteps,” he said. “It’s about pride and service. It’s our role to serve the community and maintain public safety.”
Dobirstein came to Lacombe after a 34-year career in policing mostly spent in Lethbridge, where he retired as inspector in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division. In his role, he dealt with the most high-profile crimes in the city.
He says community engagement is central to policing in Lacombe.
“At the end of the day, the police are the community, and the community is the police. We can’t do it without them.”
The anniversary celebrations will continue later this year with a regimental ball on Oct. 4 at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
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