Constable Melanie Ziffle is the newest member of the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS).

The Moose Jaw woman was introduced at a swearing in ceremony at Police headquarters Thursday afternoon, and was thrilled at the prospect of beginning a career that has long been in the back of her mind. 

"It was time," said Ziffle, who previously worked as an emergency services nurse. "My kids were getting old enough and I felt like it was..time to do my lifelong goal."

The process of officially joining the force isn't quite complete, as next week Ziffle will begin a 20-week training program at the Saskatchewan Police College in Regina.

"I'm excited," a smiling Ziffle stated. "I do have two young kids so it will be a bit of a different transition for our whole family, but 20 weeks will go by quick and I'll be back." 

Justice Doug Kovach (L) and Ziffle share a laugh as she recited her oath

Moose Jaw Police Chief Rick Bourassa was also pleased to welcome Ziffle to the force, saying that recruiting isn't necessarily easy.

"We do a very rigourous process.  We also want to make sure we are selecting people that are very suited to the job...and sometimes that takes months."