The tough calls and small moments that keep Marshals going

For Philip Dell, a second-generation police officer with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service, the weight of split-second decisions is balanced by the support of his colleagues and the small moments of appreciation that remind him why he serves.

Some nights, the calls end, but Philip’s mind keeps going. He replays the day’s incidents, questioning decisions he had only moments to make. “Sometimes, this means taking away someone’s freedom,” Philip says. The public rarely sees this side of policing – the thoughts that linger long after an incident. A simple word of appreciation means a great deal to him. He remembers arresting a man at a mini mall one spring day. With people nearby, the two wrestled in a wet parking lot before Philip brought him into custody. The next day, he returned to the mini mall off duty. “Someone approached me and said they really appreciated what we do and wished they’d captured it on video – the ‘glamorous’ part of policing, wrestling with someone in a wet parking lot.”

From June 2025 to July 2026, the Saskatchewan Marshals Service arrested 187 individuals on 185 Criminal Code warrants, conducted 492 checks to ensure individuals living in the community were complying with court-ordered conditions, and carried out 396 proactive patrols in rural and urban areas.

 Support through the difficult days

Philip credits his fellow officers for making a demanding job easier. He also draws confidence from knowing he has union support when difficult situations arise. “Policing is unique. We can be ordered to do things that a lot of people can’t, and you’re always going to be criticized,” he says. In the minutes and hours after a major incident, he says, having experienced people who understand policy and law helps him feel supported rather than alone.

Working together for Saskatchewan. From protecting communities to delivering essential services, SGEU members make a difference across the province every day. (Video courtesy of SGEU)

Following a familiar path

For Philip, policing was a familiar world long before it became his career. His father served as a police officer for 24 years, giving him an early glimpse of a profession he came to see as unique and special. A second-generation officer, Philip had opportunities to serve his community before joining the force. Policing offered another way to continue that work. Despite its demands, he remains confident in his choice. “There are days that are harder than others, but overall, it was a great choice, and I’d recommend it to anybody.”

A life beyond the badge

Just as important to Philip is having a life outside work. “It’s important that you have interests and things that go on outside of work,” he says. That might mean playing sports or calling a friend to talk about children, the news or politics – anything that gives the conversation a different focus. “You don’t have to live and breathe a job 24 hours a day, because it will wear on you. Having a social circle away from your job is really important,” he says. For young people considering the profession, his advice balances enthusiasm with realism: “Policing is a great occupation. Get in there, work hard, but don’t expect to change the world overnight. If you can change the world for even one person, you have changed their whole world.”

*This sponsored content was produced in partnership with SGEU.