Fort Norman (Aug 25/03) - Const. Doug Hewitt will have more than one reason to serve and protect in Tulita now that his wife has given birth to a set of triplets.

Lana and Doug Hewitt are the proud new parents of three boys, born on Saturday, Aug. 16 in St John's, Newfoundland.

Const. Hewitt is a constable with the RCMP detachment in Tulita. His partner, Cpl. Don Halina, said local residents and RCMP members were excited to hear the good news.

"Everyone here is wishing them the best," he said.

Halina said at birth the boys weighed four pounds eight ounces, four pounds, 10 ounces and four pounds 12 ounces, respectively. Their names are Nathan Douglas, Eric Ross and Alexander Neil.

The births were expected around Sept. 15, but they were born about a month premature. Nonetheless, Halina said they are doing very well.

"It's because of all that Northern food they were eating," he laughed. "They are very healthy considering the circumstances."

Halina said the Hewitts decided to have the babies delivered in Newfoundland because of personal reasons.

"They are closer to their family in Newfoundland," he said.

Halina said the triplets came as a big surprise to everyone, including the parents. The Hewitts didn't even know they were having triplets until a month before the birth.

"The doctor in Tulita first said there was only one baby, then an ultrasound in Yellowknife discovered they were twins and finally a ultrasound in Newfoundland confirmed it was triplets," he said.

The babies will be in the hospital under observation for a few more weeks. It is unknown when the family will be back in Tulita. The Hewitts already have one daughter.