“Work hard. Stay humble. Remember where you came from.”
June is Filipino Heritage Month. Join us in celebrating some of our employees alongside the Filipino community of Edmonton.
Constable Mia Simon, who just recently graduated, is the first police officer in her family. She was born in the Philippines but grew up in Edmonton.
“I wanted to give back to the city of Edmonton. This city has provided endless opportunities for my family to live a better quality of life. I also wanted a career that was rewarding.”
She now works in the same Southeast division that covers the neighbourhood where she grew up.
“Since my short time on the street, I’ve noticed the appreciation from Filipino members in the community. Every time another Filipino person sees me, they have the biggest smiles and seem so proud to see a Filipino female police officer. It’s validating for me to know that I am representing.”
School Resource Officer Constable Francis Capinding and Const. Simon shares a similar story. Const. Capinding’s family came to Canada in the 80s from the Philippines.
“My parents moved to Canada following some relatives that came before them. Growing up, I had no real exposure to the police service, but I knew as a kid police were safe adults to go to for help,” says Const. Capinding.
It wasn’t until high school that Const. Capinding started exploring different career paths. His school resource officer played a big role in influencing his decision to become a police officer.
“I chose EPS because I grew up in Edmonton, and it made sense to serve a community that has provided me with so much. It is interesting now that I am in the same role as an SRO, which influenced me as a student. I play a supportive role for the school to ensure students have wrap-around supports from different disciplines that can assist them.”
The Edmonton Police Service proudly celebrates Filipino Heritage Month by sharing stories of community spirit. Mabuhay! (Edmonton Police Service)
Pinoy Edmonton News 