There was plenty of rodeo action on Saturday (August 12) as Alberta First Responders showcased their skills in the ring.

Competing in all the usual rodeo events, Calgary Homicide Detective and President of Calgary Police Rodeo Association, Mike Cavilla, was extremely pleased with the turnout. "Amazing record crowd, I am going to say over 1500 spectators alone." 

It's a great opportunity to see a completely different side to emergency service personnel, states Cavilla, "First Responders, EMS, FIre, all human just like everybody else. This gives us an opportunity to show that side of us."

Cavilla shares it was great to see the event grow this year and jurisdictions across Alberta stepping up to compete. "Great contestant representation from numerous agencies, but a really big one from Edmonton Police. Edmonton came down with 40 members and their families so it was huge for us. We would like to see as many different First Responder agencies as possible to participate in this event, the more the merrier. We are actually looking at making this a two-day event in order to accommodate everybody."

Hoping to see more representation from our local agencies, Cavilla will be throwing out the challenge earlier next year. 

Besides providing great entertainment, money raised from the event goes to two great causes the Missing Children's Society of Canada and the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund; while Cavilla does not know exact funds raised quite yet, he says every year $10,000 is donated toward their primary benefactor, Missing Children. 

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Come and Get Your Rodeo On