MacKenzie Tipple of Pasadena is heading to the RCMP Training Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan, to start her training to become a police officer. Mackenzie credits Corporal Jolene Garland for inspiring her at a young age to become a police officer.
Mackenzie vividly recalls meeting RCMP Corporal Jolene Garland more than 15 years ago at a Santa Claus Parade in Pasadena. Mackenzie knew then that she wanted to be like the police officer in the red serge uniform when she grew up. Corporal Garland, who was a Constable when she first met then seven-year-old Mackenzie, was posted to Deer Lake Detachment and was well known for her interactions with youth in the community.
The two crossed paths again at a RCMP recruitment session held in St. John's in November of 2019, where Corporal Garland was a guest speaker. Tipple was surprised to see the same officer she had met so many years ago standing in front of her at the recruiting session.
Corporal Garland was delighted when Tipple contacted her recently to share her big news – that she had successfully made it through the RCMP recruitment process and would be heading to the RCMP Training Academy to train to become a police officer! The two met up earlier this week, along with Corporal Garland's daughter Julia, who is the same age now as Mackenzie was when she first met Corporal Garland. Julia presented MacKenzie with a homemade card to wish her well in her journey to become a police officer.
Best of luck in your training, Mackenzie!