Fort Providence (Apr 25/03) - It certainly wasn't easy, but Beth Philipp has earned her red serge.

Philipp, a long-time resident of Fort Providence, graduated from the RCMP training academy -- commonly known as "depot" -- in Regina on April 7.

Beth Philipp, a 38-year-old mom of four, graduated into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on April 7. - photo courtesy of Les Philipp

Four of her 26 troop mates did not meet the standard. Philipp faced expulsion herself when she failed her marksmanship exam.

Every recruit gets a chance to re-test and she passed the second time, but not without breaking a nervous sweat.

"Trying to shoot a benchmark when you're under that much pressure to pass it, it's hugely stressful because your career is on the line," she said.

She faced another major hurdle during week 17 when she injured her leg while completing a physical test. She had to see a specialist and was forced to wear a brace on her knee.

"If it would have required surgery they would have sent me home," she said. "That's when I knew how badly I wanted to do it."

Other than the injury, she said she enjoyed the 22 weeks of physical training, drills, defence tactics and driver training.

Being away from her four children -- the youngest of whom celebrates his first birthday this month -- was definitely the most difficult part, she said.

Philipp, who requested an Alberta posting, was assigned to the Wetaskiwin detachment's rural division, which comprises eight RCMP officers. The community of about 11,000 people, located south of Edmonton, also has 16 city officers.

Her first shift was on April 15, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. She described the area as "a busy spot (with) complaints of all types."

She added, "I'm loving it so far."

Philipp is being accompanied by a field trainer during her first six months on the job. She has made a five-year commitment to stay in Wetaskiwin. Her family will be joining her after the children's school year concludes.

She's not ruling out a return to the NWT someday.

"I'd definitely like to come back to the North. I like the people there, I really do," she said.