I wrote this poem in late 2024, the year the RCMP marked fifty years of women in the force. They entered a male orientated world where they were not always welcome. I came to know some of those members during my service as well as many other fine female officers. My sister, Heather Northrup followed their example and was a member of the first co-ed troop in 1975. She was one of the best. (Please note I may be somewhat biased here). All these women made and continue to make inroads in the policing world and we are better for it.

Trail Blazers

They were young, looking

For adventure when they

Graced the grounds of depot

Nervous because they were

The first and they would be

Judged, some judgements made

Before they started

Their uniform designed by

A man’s image made them

As different as they were

Standing in formation in

The drill hall

Tested in every area

Yet the question hung like

A sign over every door

They entered

Could they do the job

They passed through the

First step, training and

Then onto the field where

The real proving began

They struggled every day

Their failures highlighted

Their successes downplayed

Despite this it was heads up

Facing each moment with

Courage and determination

Now fifty years later they are

Recognized as the ones

Who wore the red serge

Doggedly leading the way for

All those others that followed

Their efforts showed others

It could be done and

Their contributions would be

Remembered as they had opened

The doors of Respect