The 36th annual Calgary Police Rodeo was a smashing success with a record number of attendees and participants.

Running two heats of most events, Mike Cavilla, President of the Calgary Police Rodeo Association says he was extremely pleased with how the event turned out. "It was great. We had a record crowd of over 3000 people, the weather was perfect at 25 degrees overcast and a record number of competitors in the arena, and thankfully there were no real injuries to speak of."

Cavilla is thrilled with the growth and especially the support it receives from our local community. "The Town of Cochrane is really supporting the event. And this being our third year in Cochrane the town seems to be supporting it more each year and I think we can attribute the numbers to that."

First responders from all over the province came out and many displayed amazing rodeo skills. "The Fire, Police and EMS folk that competed this year did a great job, especially in the bull riding. We had a total of 16 bull riders and we had at least three guys cover their bulls and get the whistle, so it was fantastic and a great effort."

More than just watching the rodeo action, it also shines a different spotlight on police, firefighters and EMS members. Trading in their uniforms for cowboy boots and hats, the day can be just as therapeutic for them. "It allows the first responders' to let their hair down, completely relax and build some comradery with the different agencies there. It's just a fun day and we're like anyone else and rodeo is one of the ways first responders can relax and enjoy themselves with their families."

While event goers cheered on their favourite cowboy/cowgirl the main focus for organizers remains on the charitable aspect. Presenting a $10,000 cheque to the Missing Children's Society of Canada and $2000 to the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund is the real reason everyone comes together.

With the event wrapping up, Detective Cavilla is back cracking down on Calgary homicides but he is already looking forward to continued success in 2019. "We want to continue to build on this event and keep it in Cochrane where it is right now. We find that Cochrane is just the perfect venue for us both for the rodeo and the kid zone that we put on each year."