"I have been very moved by your encouragement, and it is important to me to personally thank Edmontonians, Albertans and Canadians for their kind words, well wishes and cards."

"The last eight weeks have finally returned to normal for me. I cannot believe the outpouring of support I’ve received since September 30^th.  I have been very moved by your encouragement, and it is important to me to personally thank Edmontonians, Albertans and Canadians for their kind words, well wishes and cards. It is this continued support that has fuelled me to heal and return to work. 

I especially want to thank the school children, citizens and police services from across the country who sent me such nice cards and letters. Thank you also to the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Eskimos for honouring the EPS in such meaningful ways.

This incident will not deter me from my police career.  If anything, it has made me and my police family stronger, and seems to have united Canadians from coast to coast. I’ve received emails from people I’ve never met, including other officers who said that what I did has made them more vigilant and want to train harder.  We get into policing because we want to help people and do the right thing for the right reasons, so if what happened to me inspires people and brings them together, then I really can’t ask for more than that.

While I don’t wish to remain in the spotlight, I wanted to acknowledge your kindness, and to assure my community I will continue to be 'dedicated to protect and proud to serve' as a member of the Edmonton Police Service."

- Constable Mike Chernyk