Constable (Retired) Cheryl Lafosse comes from a policing family. Her father, who retired from the RCMP as a Superintendent in 1977, started his career with the Newfoundland Rangers in 1942 before the province was a part of Canada. Her grandfather and great-uncle were officers in the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Her uncle and her older brother were also RCMP officers.
Cheryl, however, didn't spend her days dreaming of becoming a police officer simply because when she graduated high school it wasn't an option. By the time the RCMP began accepting women to apply as officers, Cheryl had already begun a fulfilling career as a nurse at the Grace Hospital in St. John's. That all changed in 1974 when her father called to let her know that women could now enroll to become a RCMP police officer. Cheryl wasted no time – she was a member of the first class of female Mounties, known as Troop 17. Her father proudly presented her with her badge when she graduated in 1975.
When you ask Cheryl, who today lives on a quiet cul-de-sac in Conception Bay South, what it was like to be a part of that first group of women to don the red surge, she replies, with some laughter, "They didn't know what to do with us!"
She started her career patrolling the same streets as her male counterparts but her uniform wasn't quite the same. Instead of pants and comfortable shoes to get her through her long shifts on the job, Cheryl and her troopmates patrolled in high-heeled shoes, nylon tights and shirts without pockets. The lack of pockets meant they carried everything in their 'pill-box' style hats, on their heads. Luckily, the uniform standards were re-evaluated fairly quickly and women in the RCMP were soon offered the luxury of pocketed pants and shirts, too!
Her skills as a nurse came in handy many times throughout her career, most notably during a court trial when her partner was on the stand to testify against an impaired driver. The defense asked "Would you be able to tell the difference between impairment and a diabetic coma?" "No," he replied. Lafosse stepped in and said "But I could." Her time and expertise as a registered nurse lent enough validity to her statement that the impaired driver was convicted.
Cheryl recalls many of her experiences fondly, crediting her small-town Newfoundland upbringing with a demeanor that made her the kind of police officer she wanted to be. Her easy-going attitude meant that wherever she went, Lafosse treated everyone equally – on the force and off. This was a big part of the job, she says, talking to people and connecting with them and it was one of the most rewarding parts of her thirty-plus years with the RCMP.
Cheryl retired with 33 years of service in 2005 and looks back at her career with great fondness. "There was excitement, challenges and hard days, too. But I can't forget the friendships and the camaraderie; we always found something to laugh at."
Constable Cheryl Lafosse, we thank you for your many contributions and years of service to the RCMP and Canada. You carved a path for all the women who would follow in your footsteps.