After a week-long introduction on how to be a cop, kids from Lacombe, Lacombe County and Blackfalds were recognized this afternoon for their efforts during a graduation ceremony.

Kids N' Kops allowed them to get up close and personal with officers, participating in a number of events including a police academy, police surveillance, a RCMP K-9 demonstration and a tour of the Lacombe Police station.

For 8-year-old Rune Yee, it was his first time at Kids N' Kops and says he learned a lot.

“Kids N’ Kops is learning what cops do in scenarios with drug dealing and shoplifting and a lot of other stuff. We do adventures, we went to the RCMP dog show and we went to laser tag.”

Executive Director with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lacombe Crystal Zens created the program 10 years ago with her husband and says it's been extremely beneficial for the kids.

“It’s a really awesome collaboration with the objective of police mentoring and positive community policing. The kids have a great time and we usually have a really long wait list of kids who want to get into it. It’s jammed pack and full of fun in four days.”

Lacombe Police Chief Lorne Blumhagen said him and his entire police department are just happy they can help out.

“We just love supporting the program and taking part in any area we can. To see the value in it and you hear from kids who have taken the program in the past that would like to do it again or have their siblings take part is just great.”

Today's graduation took place at MEGlobal Athletic Park and included a bouncy castle and a BBQ.