In a first for the London Police Service, local law enforcement stepped into a completely new role last week – hosting their very own citizenship ceremony that welcomed 30 new Canadians into the fold.

The groundbreaking event drew more than 90 people to witness this milestone moment, with friends and family gathering to celebrate alongside the new citizens. According to the London Police Service’s Facebook announcement, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical, filled with smiles and genuine celebration as these 30 individuals officially became Canadian citizens.

This marks the first time in the department’s history that they’ve taken on the responsibility of hosting a citizenship ceremony, making it a significant moment not just for the new citizens, but for the police service itself.

The ceremony represented a major departure from the typical duties you’d expect from local police, showcasing a community-focused approach that goes well beyond traditional law enforcement responsibilities. With 30 new citizens and over 90 attendees, the venue was packed with emotion and excitement as participants took their oath of citizenship.

The London Police Service expressed their honour at being able to witness such a significant milestone in the lives of these new Canadians. For many of the 30 participants, this ceremony represented the culmination of years of preparation, paperwork, and anticipation to officially call Canada home.

The event wasn’t just about the formal proceedings – it was described as a joyous occasion that brought together diverse members of the London community. The overwhelming turnout of friends and family members demonstrates the strong support networks that exist within the city’s multicultural landscape.

What makes this story particularly interesting is how it represents a unique collaboration between law enforcement and citizenship services. Typically, citizenship ceremonies are hosted by federal officials or designated citizenship judges, making the London Police Service’s involvement quite remarkable.

The department’s Facebook post emphasized their gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to making the day unforgettable for the new citizens. The ceremony clearly resonated with both participants and organizers, creating memories that will likely last a lifetime.

For the 30 new Canadians, this ceremony marked the official end of their journey to citizenship and the beginning of their lives as full members of the Canadian community. The London Police Service welcomed them to their new home and expressed their eagerness to work together in building a stronger community.

The success of this inaugural citizenship ceremony suggests that the London Police Service may continue this tradition in the future, potentially making it a regular part of their community engagement efforts.

The event took place last week and was announced on the London Police Service’s official Facebook page on June 16th, 2025, complete with photos capturing the memorable moments from the ceremony.