Chesterfield Inlet (May 10/06) - The Chesterfield Inlet detachment of the RCMP will have the force's only summer student in Nunavut this year.

Lindsay Alogut will be on the job with the local detachment this summer, following her dream of becoming a full-fledged officer.

Alogut said it's awesome to have the chance to be an RCMP summer student in her home community.

She said she expects her training at the RCMP depot to be tough, but fun.

"I was happy and excited to be sworn in as a peace officer and I can't wait to start," Alogut said.

"I want to become an RCMP officer because the job looks like it would be fun and I want to help people.

"Being an RCMP officer has always been my dream."

Detachment commander Cpl. Kurt Kamotzki said it's a special opportunity to be able to help someone realize their dream in the community he serves.

And, when that dream is becoming an RCMP officer, it's beneficial for everyone involved.

"Her being the only student in all of Nunavut taking part in the program this summer does carry some significance," Kamotzki said.

"It's nice to know somebody from Chester is representing Nunavut."

Alogut will have much the same status as regular officers, including the authority to arrest and lay charges. Kamotzki said Alogut will be working with a member at all times due to the inherent risk associated with the job.

He said a good portion of her role will be helping the RCMP interact with the community and doing public relations work. "We're looking forward to Lindsay interacting with local youth, which we hope might garner additional interest in the RCMP as a career choice.

"That's one of the foremost things on our minds concerning her time with us this summer."

Kamotzki said while Chester is usually a slow place for active policing duties, Alogut will do enough tasks related to the job to give her valuable insight into what police work is all about.

"Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for Lindsay on her way to a career with the RCMP. As an organization, and as a community, we're proud of her accomplishments and hope she reaches her goal."