Calgary, AB,
19
January
2018
|
10:54
America/Denver

CPS Officer Competes in 2018 Winter Olympics

A member of the District 1 Beat Team will soon be temporarily trading his badge for his sled as he heads to the 2018 Winter Olympics. This is believed to be the first time a serving member of the Calgary Police Service will compete in the Winter Olympics.

Constable Joe Cecchini, a dual-citizen Italian-Canadian, will work his last shift on Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, before heading to South Korea the following week to compete as a member of the Italian National Skeleton team.

Born in British Columbia, Canada, Const. Cecchini moved to Calgary in 2007 to pursue not only opportunities in Skeleton, but also a career with the Calgary Police Service. He joined the CPS ranks in December 2007.

While working as a full-time member of the CPS, Cst. Cecchini raced internationally with the Canadian team for three seasons before joining the Italian team in 2013. Since then, he has become a two-time national champion, racing on the World Cup circuit full time and has also participated in three world championships.

“Not only am I blessed to represent Italy, Canada and the Calgary Police Service, but I am in a position that allows me to give back. Skeleton and athletics are platforms that have allowed me to coach youth and speak to others about goal setting, motivation and hopefully impact and inspire the lives of others,” says Const. Cecchini.

Photos of Const. Cecchini both on and off duty are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

“We are very proud of Joe. Many of our officers are talented people who bring a vast degree of life experience. They aren’t just officers. They are athletes, musicians, professionals and are so much more than the uniform they put on,” says District 1 Staff Sgt. Shawn Wallace. “Joe is a great example of the tenacity and commitment our officers bring to the citizens they serve.”