It has been almost 50 years since women were allowed to join the RCMP.
On Sept. 16, 1974, 32 women made history as the first female officers sworn into the RCMP across Canada, establishing Troop 17.
Women now make up 22 per cent of the force.
To mark this milestone, the Richmond RCMP will feature various profiles of women who have served the detachment.
Supt. Julie Drotar joined RCMP to 'make a tangible difference'
Richmond RCMP senior operations officer Supt. Julie Drotar has held various positions in the organization over the past 30 years.
Drotar said she joined the RCMP for a sense of fulfilment and purpose and for the diverse challenges it presented.
“Being a police officer is a very rewarding and satisfying career,” she said. “I joined the RCMP because I wanted to serve my community and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
“This profession offered me the opportunity to help others, uphold justice and contribute to the safety and well-being of those around me.”
One of her main responsibilities as a senior leader is ensuring other staff members have the necessary tools to succeed, Drotar explained.
Having faced various challenges as a female police officer, Drotar has used these experiences as an opportunity to learn and grow, pushing her to make a difference within the organization.
“This mindset has helped me overcome difficulties and continue progressing in my career. It’s important to convey that challenges do not define us; rather, how we respond to them does,” she said.
Drotar highlighted her most memorable experience in the force has been the opportunity to work with incredible people, that has given her a deep sense of fulfilment by witnessing her contributions over the years.
For those women considering a career with the RCMP, she advises them to get involved and not underestimate their abilities or contributions.
“Embrace ambition and don’t be afraid to strive for specific duties or leadership roles,” she said. “Seek mentors and build a supportive network of women who can help navigate the challenges of being a female police officer.”
“Most importantly, be true to yourself and believe in your capabilities,” she added.
Drotar has worked in various roles within the RCMP, including provincial and federal positions in the drug section, criminal intelligence section and the integrated proceeds of crime section.
Career highlights include partnering with the Senior Council of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada B.C., and being selected as an Aide de Camp to the lieutenant-governor of British Columbia.
“English is my second language, so establishing myself in an English division and rising through the ranks while being recognized by my colleagues as an ethical, hard-working, reliable and approachable leader is something I am prouder of than anything else,” she said.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter. Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
