When you think of police work, danger and risk might be the first things that come to mind. But talk to some police officers, and you’ll soon find out it’s all about helping people.
Const. Georgina Short says being a woman doesn’t define you as a police officer and that’s one the things she loves about the job.
“In our career, we work as police officers, we work side by side. At the end of the day it’s not about your gender, it’s about your work ethic and your ability to work with people,” she said.
A big change she’s seen over her 30-year career with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is the increase in the number of female officers.
“For a long time, I was one of 15 or 16 female police officers. Now I’m among more than 100 — which I never thought I would live to see,” she said.
“I know it’s a cliché, but I wanted to join because I felt it was a good opportunity to make a difference in the community. I wanted to help people,” she said.
A high point in her career? Getting to see her colleagues do well.
“As funny as it sounds, watching my best friend, Joe Boland, get appointed deputy chief of police. To be able to be there when he was appointed, that was a highlight for me,” she said.
Acting Insp. Joseph Gullage, who has been with the RNC for 40 years, credits his family life for inspiring him to pursue a policing career.
“I came from a family of 13 and was the youngest in the family. Everyone in my family was brought up with the mentality of making a difference in other people’s lives,” he said.
“Without that support, their caring and their understanding, I would have never done this.”
Policing is a career that often involves sacrifice, though, both for officers and their families.
“One Christmas Eve, my family and I were attending church and I got called out,” Gullage said. “I spent all of Christmas Eve negotiating with a barricaded person. Meanwhile, my two girls woke up and opened their Christmas gifts.”
Still, all in all, he’s glad of the path he took.
“I still enjoy getting up every morning and going to work. I’m proud. I’m extremely proud to be a member of the RNC,” he said.
Short and Gullage were just two of nine officers who were appointed exemplary awards on Tuesday at Government House in St. John’s. The awards were presented by Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan and RNC Chief Joe Boland.
Three officers, including Gullage, were awarded the 40-year Exemplary Service Bar, while six officers, including Short, were awarded the 30-Year Exemplary Service Bar award.
