Moments that Mattered: Stories of Calgary Police Icons

July 29th, 2026

Stories from Calgary’s policing past.

Five Moments That defined the Calgary Police

Part of Historic Calgary Week.

Step into the stories behind the badge.

Step back in time and walk the beat with the men who helped shape the Calgary Police Service in its rough‑and‑ready early days. In this fast‑moving look at five defining moments, you’ll tail these historical officers, detectives, and chiefs as they face down dilemmas, chase leads, and pull off flashes of ingenuity that never made the official record. These stories — some big, some small, all straight from the heart of the job. We shine a spotlight on the real icons of Calgary policing, the ones who built the backbone of the Service long before modern badges and cruisers hit the streets.

Among the figures featured:

  • Chief David Ritchie: Calgary’s longest-serving police chief and a decorated war hero whose leadership helped shape the service for decades.
  • Jack “Gory” Smith:  A legendary detective known for investigating some of the city’s most notorious and grisly cases.
  • Policewoman Nora Peavoy: A fearless trailblazer who once single-handedly disarmed a knife fight and later became an advocate for pay equity for women in policing

Here’s the Intel:

  • Date: July 29, 2026
  • Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm, presentation starts at 6:30 pm
  • Location: Calgary Police Discovery Centre: 5111 47th Street N.E. Calgary, AB
  • Tickets: FREE but registration is required (40 spaces available)

Who’s This For?

For curious minds and history lovers, if you consider yourself a lifelong learner, this evening is for you!

What you’ll experience:

  • Step back into Calgary’s policing past.
  • Hear fascinating stories of officers who shaped the city.
  • Discover historic artifacts and moments that changed policing.
  • See the past illuminated through historic call boxes.

New EventS just hit the wire

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Events

One of a kind events you cant find anywhere else in calgary!

July 29th: Historic Calgary Week

Fun in the sun meets safety done right!

September 18th & 19th: Calgary Police Discovery Days

Consider this your official invitation to go behind the badge.

December 5th: Holiday Hounds

Give your family a holiday moment they'll remember forever.

HISTORIC CALGARY WEEK

CALGARY: This is how you start your summer off safe!

DNA After Dark: Cold Cases & Cocktails Adult Only Night at Calgary Police Discovery Centre.

Senior Detectives

We can’t wait to welcome campers for an unforgettable summer! Get ready for hands‑on police‑themed activities, new friendships, and the chance to meet some special Calgary Police Service guests.

Lil’ Constables

We can’t wait to welcome campers for an unforgettable summer! Get ready for hands‑on police‑themed activities, new friendships, and the chance to meet some special Calgary Police Service guests.

Crack the case. Uncover the clues. Have the best summer ever!

Junior Sergeants

We can’t wait to welcome campers for an unforgettable summer! Get ready for hands‑on police‑themed activities, new friendships, and the chance to meet some special Calgary Police Service guests.

Calgary's Safest place to have fun

Admission is FREE! The parking is FREE! However we do accept donations to help fund our innovative approach to education, expand our programs and events for students, youth, adults, families and our community.