Public safety - It plays a critical part in ensuring residents of any community have the opportunity to live well and reach their personal full potential.  Public safety is about protecting the general public and prioritizing an individual's physical safety.  First Responders - including firefighters, police officers and paramedics - are most often providing the hands-on support that makes any community physically safe. 

The individuals who protect and serve their communities are professionals dedicated to being their best with each situation they face.  In honour of International Women's Day and together with the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Central York Fire Services, and York Region Paramedic Services, we are excited to again present four female emergency first responders who represent their professions with honour and distinction.  We invite you to read each of their stories and learn more about how their aspirations, motivations, celebrations and strong ethic of caring for themselves and others have shaped their respective careers.

 

 

More Her First Responder Stories:

INSPIRE - Meet York Region Paramedic Crystal Wong - Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

INSPIRE - Meet CYFS Captain Tamara Roitman - Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

INSPIRE - Meet OPP Constable Nicola Morris - Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

 

Introducing Robyn Kassam  - York Region Police Sergeant

 

 

Q: How long have you been a first responder?

A: I have been a police officer with York Region Police since April 2002.

 

Q: Did you grow up wanting to be a first responder?

A: I was in high school when I decided I wanted to pursue policing. The skills I believed would make me a competitive candidate came from the following personal experiences:

- As a young child, I was raised on a farm. There, I learned how to shoot a rifle and became comfortable with firearms. My brother and I also learned about survival skills and how to develop the courage and strength to take care of ourselves while living in an isolated and remote part of Manitoba.

- While in my teens, my parents separated and, at that time, moved from Alberta to Ontario with nothing but our suitcase. My mom worked three jobs to make ends meet but still had time to trek me around to all my sporting event and be my biggest supporter. She was my champion and role model and stood by me every step of the way. Even after getting 4 different types of cancer and passing away at the age of 61.

- I was my mother's caregiver at the end of her life and I knew that she would want me to pursue my dreams and goals. To help people. To treat people with compassion, kindness and always be fair. To have the courage to face challenging situations while always being professional in whatever job I had. It was at this time that I got hired with York Regional Police.

 

 

Q: Where did you go to school to learn to be a first responder?

A: I studied Law Enforcement at Seneca College. I also worked part-time in Hospital Security to gain experience.

 

Q: What has been the highlight of your career?

A: I have had many highlights in 22 years and I can say that all of these, have shaped my identity and have made me a better police officer. These key highlights have included:

- I was instrumental in the growth and expansion of the Seniors Safety role within Community Services. Working very closely with our community Partners like CYFS, building relationships, breaking down barriers, and ultimately becoming the village to help educate and protect our vulnerable population.

- I am a Commander within Search and Rescue - instrumental in deploying and managing specialized teams to help search for missing persons and/or assisting units on evidence searches.

- I grew up riding horses and I am currently a member of our Ceremonial Mounted Unit.

- I played and continue to play competitive sports ie volleyball and women’s football. I am the Chairperson for the YRPA Sports Committee - supporting our members both sworn and civilian in the area of sports ie. World Police and Fire Games, and other 911 events and/or to support a local charity.

- I also sit on various committees - Women in Leadership, District Enhancement Committee, South Asian Internal Support Network and I am presently in the mentorship program.

- Finally, my current role is that of a Patrol Sergeant in RIC and MAR. I get so much reward and satisfaction being with our people and serving and protecting our community and being a positive role model to them. To me, all of the above is a highlight.
 

 

Q: What do you do to keep physically fit and take care of your mental wellbeing?

A: I workout regularly whether it be hitting the gym, a spin class, enjoying hot yoga. I also have played in various
volleyball tournaments and have quarterbacked a women’s touch football team for many years. I've also competed in badminton at the provincial level. All of these help with my mental wellbeing.

Most importantly, I spend time with my family. We often enjoy road trips to New York, or Chicago or Lake Placid or travelling to Florida at different times of the year. We are also avid hikers and revel in visiting the many National Parks found throughout the United States. Together, we enjoy biking andsnowboarding.

I am very blessed to work within an amazing and supportive police service. Whether it be officers from my platoon, Peer Support, or my besties both within and outside the service. The core network is strong and truly care.

 

Q: What’s your favourite thing to do outside of being a first responder? 

A: Outside of being a police officer, my favourite thing to do, is taking time to find sense of balance. This can include taking the time to reset by listening to a podcast or prioritizing self-care.

I also embrace and value family time. I am married to a busy doctor and our time together is limited. We are spiritually connected to our faith and meditate and volunteer regularly at our place of worship. When we are not at work, we try to get away
as often as we can with our children. For us, it's critically important to separate ourselves from our demanding, busy and sometimes heavy work life. 

 

 

Enjoy more first responder stories: 

INSPIRE - 2nd Annual IWD First Responder Community Event 2023

York Region Community Open House - Celebrating First Responders and IWD 2022

 

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