Jessica Woodfine doesn’t have much of a memory of the day when, as an inquisitive pre-schooler, she walked up to an RNC officer and asked to try on her police hat.
She smiles at it now, looking at the photo her grandmother took back then on the grounds of the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre — the site that year of the annual Teddy Bear Picnic — capturing the moment when the four-year-old stood proud as a peacock next to Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Const. Georgina Short and an RNC vehicle.
“Unfortunately, I was so young, so I don’t remember,” Woodfine said.
But it would turn out to be a meaningful moment in her life.
Eighteen years later, Woodfine again stood next to Short. This time, she was wearing her own uniform and hat.
The 22-year-old from Mount Pearl was one of the 15 graduates who joined the ranks of the RNC earlier this month.
Short, the RNC’s special programs co-ordinator, was the officer who helped train her for the last 14 months in the police studies program leading up to graduation.
Short didn’t know about the connection until the night of the graduation ceremony, when Woodfine’s parents told her about the photo and sent it to her the next day.
Short insisted the two get another one together in their uniforms. Woodfine said she was proud to stand next to the 31-year veteran.
“I thought it was great,” said Woodfine, who added that she wanted to be a police officer back then. “She’s obviously as great of a role model and community supporter now as she was back then.
“(She) still has so much passion for her career. … She’s a true professional.”
Short admits she also didn’t remember much about that particular moment 18 years ago, but was elated to hear about it.
“To me, it’s always important to engage with the public like that,” Short said. “I’ve always loved to talk to people — young and old. Connecting with the kids was fun. I’m very blessed.
“It’s nice to see Const. Woodfine — I love calling her that now instead of Cadet Woodfine — become an RNC officer.
“I really care about the people I work with and love to see them succeed.”
In the late 1980s, when Short graduated, there were only about as many females on the force as there were graduates this year.
Today, according to the RNC, females make up 29 per cent of the force.
Of the 408 uniformed members, 120 are women.
“In my life, I never dreamed there would be over 100 female officers,” Short said. “They’ve made a huge contribution.”
Woodfine always knew she wanted to be a police officer to make a difference in society. And whether it was that meeting with Short 18 years ago or being guided by her in training, Woodfine said she played a role in inspiring her to get to where she is today.
“Georgina takes great pride in everything she does,” Woodfine said. “She’s respectful and considerate of others.”
That is the kind of officer Woodfine plans to be. And maybe someday, she said, she, too, could inspire a young person to follow their dreams.
Twitter: TelyRosie
