Lethbridge Police Chief Recognized for Mental Health Initiatives

The Chief of the Lethbridge Police Service, Shahin Mehdizadeh, has received the prestigious 2025 Workplace Wellness Award from the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta South Region. This recognition highlights his commitment to enhancing the mental health and well-being of police officers and their families within the community.

The award is presented to individuals and organizations that demonstrate a strong dedication to promoting workplace wellness by prioritizing employee mental health. Chief Mehdizadeh’s leadership has been pivotal in implementing a holistic, community-focused model of policing. This model emphasizes the mental health of both officers and their families, aiming to foster a supportive environment.

“It’s an extremely important element of our promise to our employees, and I’m very proud to see how our employees have responded to that,” Mehdizadeh stated. He believes that this focus on well-being ultimately leads to improved service for the community.

Community-Centric Approach

David Gabert, a representative from the Canadian Mental Health Association, expressed his admiration for the initiatives led by Mehdizadeh. “It’s important for us to hold space, at least once a year but hopefully way more often than that, to improve well-being as well and to recognize the positive steps and changes that we’re taking,” Gabert remarked. He acknowledged that while there is still much work to be done in the realm of mental wellness, the progress made by the Lethbridge Police Service is noteworthy.

In addition to the award, the Lethbridge Police Service has recently expanded its support systems by hiring a wellness specialist. This role is dedicated to enhancing the overall well-being of all staff and frontline officers, further underscoring the organization’s commitment to mental health.

The Canadian Mental Health Association highlighted that such initiatives are essential in setting a standard for organizational wellness. By prioritizing mental health, organizations like the Lethbridge Police Service are not only supporting their employees but also improving community relations.

As mental health continues to gain recognition as a critical aspect of workplace wellness, the Lethbridge Police Service stands out as a model for other organizations. The efforts led by Chief Mehdizadeh and his team demonstrate a proactive approach to ensuring that the mental health of officers and their families remains a top priority, paving the way for a healthier work environment and a more effective police service.