Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Oct 04/02) - A Fort Providence mother of four is going to find out if she has what it takes to become a member of the RCMP.

Beth Philipp will be heading off to the RCMP depot for training later this month. - NNSL file photo

Beth Philipp, who has been working at the family business, the Snowshoe Inn, for the past 16 years, has been accepted to the RCMP depot in Regina.

She is due to begin her 22 weeks of training on Oct. 19.

"It's something that I've always wanted to do," she said. "I just really felt that if I didn't make that effort -- win or lose, whether I get through it or not -- I need to exhaust it to the end. I don't want to have any regrets."

She said she has the support of her family, although her youngest son, born on April 30, hasn't verbalized much as of yet.

Although the physical rigours of RCMP training will surely be a challenge, Philipp, noted that she passed the demanding entrance exam within the required time -- and that was only four months after giving birth by caesarian section.

"I'm going to be 38 this year. I have four kids. It's now or never. It's not going to happen two years or five years from now," she said.

Having a brother who was a police officer and having known many of the RCMP members who have lived in Fort Providence, Philipp said she's sure the calling is "right up my alley."

"I'm not out to change the world with this job. I'm out to maybe manage it more effectively and make the community in which I live a little bit better," she said. "I'm not out to catch the drunk driver so I can write up a ticket. I want to get his keys before he hurts somebody. That's more my attitude."

If she graduates, Philipp won't have the final say on where she and her family are posted.

She will express her interest in returning to Fort Providence, however.

"I certainly have enjoyed the lifestyle here at the Snowshoe and living here in Providence, but I just need to take this opportunity," she said.