DRPS Welcomes 21 New Recruits

On Thursday, May 21, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) proudly welcomed 21 new recruits during a graduation ceremony in Whitby. The ceremony featured the DRPS Pipes and Drums and the DRPS Choir, as family and friends gathered to celebrate this milestone achievement.

Chief Peter Moreira formally welcomed the graduating class and presented each officer with their badge and a challenge coin engraved with the Oath of Office and presented to each recruit prior to the ceremony as a reminder of this oath and the trust placed in each of them by the community they serve.

The recruits went on to recite their Declaration of Membership, affirming their dedication to serve with integrity and respect. Constable Kylie Ferguson was chosen as valedictorian, and provided remarks that had the crowd smiling, laughing and tearing up. She referenced the journey they have been on so far with one another at Ontario Police College and training, as well as the new one they’re about to embark upon within their careers as police officers.

Chief Moreira also shared words of guidance for the new officers: “Today, you will receive your badges. That badge represents authority, responsibility, and accountability—but more importantly, it represents the trust of the community. You will meet people at their most vulnerable. You will be asked to help, to listen, and to lead in difficult situations. In every one of those interactions, you have the opportunity to build trust—or break it. That trust is the foundation of effective policing. Guard it fiercely.”

Constable Ferguson was further recognized with the Allan D. Christiansen Memorial Award, an honour voted on by her peers. The award highlights leadership, positivity, commitment to fitness, and dedication to volunteerism—qualities that reflect Allan D. Christiansen’s lasting legacy.

The newly sworn officers will now continue their journey with coach officers, gaining frontline experience across platoons throughout Durham Region.

We extend our congratulations and a warm welcome to the newest members of the DRPS family.