Alberta
Province planning “Heroes Fund” to help families of first responders who die on duty

From the Province of Alberta
Supporting Alberta’s heroes and their families
Creating the Alberta’s Heroes Fund will improve benefits for the families of fallen first responders and recognize their noble service.
Bill 47, Ensuring Safety and Cutting Red Tape, will allow Alberta’s government to follow through on its commitment to create the Heroes Fund. Alberta’s government will honour the sacrifices of first responders who die as a result of performing their duties. The Heroes Fund will provide a one-time tax-free payment of $100,000 to eligible families through the Workers’ Compensation Board.
“There is no higher form of public service than to risk one’s life to maintain public safety. While nothing can replace a loved one, the Heroes Fund will provide families with extra support and improved benefits while honouring the brave and valiant service of Alberta’s fallen heroes.”
“First responders commit their lives to serving their communities and we must honour their heroic work and ensure their loved ones have the support they need. Our government committed to ensuring families of Alberta’s fallen heroes are supported, and while I wish this fund wasn’t needed, today we are delivering on our promise to honour them and the sacrifices they’ve made.”
Eligible first responders include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, sheriffs and provincial corrections officers. Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will administer the Heroes Fund and will begin identifying eligible families and administering payments, which are retroactive to April 1, 2020.
“Day in and day out, our members put their health and safety on the line to help Albertans often during the most difficult times in their lives. First responders understand that this is our calling, this is what we do. We acknowledge the inherent risk of our profession and do what we can to mitigate risk. Unfortunately, risk cannot always be mitigated, and every year we see firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers who are killed from job-related injuries, occupational disease, or mental health struggles. The Alberta Fire Fighters Association would like to take this opportunity to applaud the Government of Alberta for the Heroes Fund. While this fund will never replace the void from the loss of a loved one, it will help ease the inevitable financial hardships caused by those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
“First responders are charged with the significant responsibility of upholding safety in our communities and protecting citizens, often placing their lives in danger. Losing a loved one in the line of duty is a tragedy many of us are lucky to be unfamiliar with, but for those who must live with that grief and its many hardships, this fund provides much-needed support and commemoration of heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“As a former sergeant with the Calgary Police Service, I was honoured to serve with many brave police officers, firefighters, and paramedics in the City of Calgary. I know first-hand how our first responders put their lives on the line every day in the service of Albertans and I am proud that our government is fulfilling our commitment to create a Heroes Fund. Our government is taking concrete action to give the families of our fallen heroes the help they need in difficult times.”
“I’m proud to be part of a government that delivers on its promises and stands up for first responders and their families. As a former paramedic firefighter, I understand the sacrifices first responders make to serve their communities and answer the call to service. I wish everyone could return home safely at the end of the day, but for those who pay the ultimate price serving their communities, the creation of this fund will make a difference in the lives of family members when they need it most. Establishing this fund will make Alberta the only province with a program of this type to honour and pay tribute to the families of first responders.”
Quick facts
- Budget 2020 commits $1.5 million per year for the Heroes Fund for three years, starting in the 2020-21 fiscal year.
- Alberta is the only province with a program of this type for families of fallen first responders.
- Heroes Fund payments are separate from regular workers’ compensation fatality benefits.
- The Heroes Fund will take effect when Bill 47 receives royal assent.
- There were 106 Alberta first responder fatalities between 2010 and 2019.
- 90 per cent of these were firefighters due to occupational illness.
- Albertans are served by:
- More than 14,000 full-time, part-time, casual and volunteer firefighters. About 80 per cent are volunteers.
- More than 7,500 police officers.
- More than 9,400 paramedics.
Alberta
Alberta Provincial Police – New chief of Independent Agency Police Service

Sat Parhar has been appointed as the first chief of the Independent Agency Police Service, marking the next step toward a new municipal policing option.
The appointment of a new chief for the Independent Agency Police Service (IAPS) marks the next step in giving municipalities a new option for local policing and builds on the work already underway for the agency to assume the police-like duties currently carried out by the Alberta Sheriffs. The IAPS will empower municipalities to adopt strategies that effectively respond to their specific safety concerns, enhancing public safety across the province.
Chief Parhar brings more than 25 years of policing experience, including senior roles with the Calgary Police Service, most recently as deputy chief. His frontline policing experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s complex and diverse public safety landscape positions him to lead the agency as it takes shape and begins its work as a new municipal policing option, keeping communities safe.
Once operational, the agency will strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP, Indigenous policing services and municipal police. It will help fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently to meet Alberta’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement response times, particularly in rural communities.
“Appointing Chief Sat Parhar is a key milestone in Alberta’s plan to give municipalities a real choice in how their communities are kept safe. This is about building a modern police service that reflects the priorities of Albertans, strengthens local decision-making, and ensures every corner of our province, especially rural areas, can count on responsive, effective law enforcement. With his decades of experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s policing landscape, he is the right leader to bring this vision to life.”
“This appointment signifies a significant step forward in our efforts to establish a more robust, community-focused policing model that is better equipped to meet the unique needs of our local residents. Under Chief Parhar’s visionary leadership, we are confident that we will develop a modern, efficient police service that not only enhances public safety but also aligns closely with the priorities and values of Albertans. His experience and commitment are vital in shaping an IAPS that is responsive, transparent, and dedicated to fostering trust and collaboration within the community, ultimately ensuring a safer and more connected society for all.”
Chief Parhar’s immediate priorities will be to hire an executive team and commence organizational planning such as developing key recruitment, training and other operational policies. Chief Parhar’s appointment is the first step of many to establishing the IAPS.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and help shape a modern police service built for Alberta. My focus from day one will be on setting high standards for professionalism, building strong relationships with our partners and ensuring this service reflects the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”
The Independent Agency Police Service was formally created through regulation following the passing of Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024. The agency will operate as an independent Crown corporation, and will be renamed the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service, with its head office located in Calgary. The IAPS will be operationally independent from the provincial government with civilian oversight, consistent with all police services in Alberta.
“When it comes to policing, municipalities like ours deserve a choice – especially when the current system leaves us disadvantaged simply because of our size. We look forward to learning more about what that alternative will look like once an Alberta police agency is fully established and the options are clear. For us, this is about fairness, sustainability, and ensuring municipalities have access to policing solutions that reflect both their needs and their realities.”
Quick facts
- The regulation establishes the IAPS Provincial Corporation and its governance structure including board of directors, board of director powers, financial responsibilities and accountabilities.
Related news
- Expanding municipal police service options (April 7, 2024)
Alberta
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