The Altona Police Service is back up to a full complement of officers following the recent swearing-in of Constable Caitlyn Ginter. Cst. Ginter who replaces a member that resigned earlier this year.

A recent graduate of the RCMP Depot, Ginter also previously worked with the Manitoba Sheriff's Department, and brings with her professional experience and knowledge to the job. Police Chief Perry Batchelor says the department was pleased to see Ginter rise to the top of the hiring pool.

"We had a significant amount of quality applicants when we actually pared things down...and Constable Ginter was the top candidate at the top of day, and we're very glad that she accepted an opportunity to come and join our team," said Batchelor. 

Cst. Ginter is the first female officer within the Altona Police Service's 102 year history.

Ginter grew up in Portage la Prairie, and says she was drawn to a career in law enforcement from a young age.

"I grew up with my Grandpa being a retired RCMP member, and I always used to hang on every story he used to tell," she said, noting other members of her family also worked in law enforcement. "It was just something I always thought was an intriguing career. It seemed like it would be challenging, and you could both help people and prevent bad things from happening. It was just always something to me that seemed like a really rewarding career, hard, but rewarding."

New to the community, Ginter says she looks forward to becoming involved in local extra-curricular activities and getting to know the people.

Ginter is also the first female officer in the 102 year history of the Altona Police Service, something she says comes with an interesting, but good feeling.

"Nowadays women are doing everything they never used to," she said. "It's a really empowering feeling and I think, at least I hope, I can use it to give the idea to other people, females especially for that matter, that you're capable of whatever you want to do, as long as you put forth that effort."

Because she's recently completed formal education and training, Ginter won't undergo any further recruit training. She will, however, participate in field training with fellow members of the Altona Police Service and, upon completion, be worked into the regular shift rotation.

The following is a statement submitted to PembinaValleyOnline by Altona Mayor Al Friesen.

"On behalf of our council and our community, we are delighted to welcome Constable Caitlyn Ginter to Altona. As Altona Police Services play a significant role in our community, and represent a significant portion of our financial resources, we are pleased to see the police department at its full complement. I'm confident our community will give Caitlyn a warm welcome."

Mayor Friesen presents Cst. Ginter with her badge.