DRPS Youth in Policing Coordinator wins Public Hero Award

Durham Regional Police Services'(DRPS) Youth in Policing (YIP) Program Coordinator Cynthia Nimri has received the 2022 Intercultural Dialogue Institute – Public Hero’s Award! Cynthia has demonstrated selflessness, dedication, and leadership within the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), community, and beyond.

The Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA has been giving Public Heroes Awards since 2011. The awards aim to recognize the dedication and excellence of individual members or team members of police, fire and paramedic services for delivering their services in an ethnically and culturally diverse environment. Award recipients are selected  based on the following three criteria: “Altruism”, “Dedication” and “Community Involvement”.

Cynthia joined DRPS as a YIP Student in the summer of 2019. As a student, she stood out among her peers as an ethical, passionate, and dedicated leader. She actively collaborates with her peers to bring positive energy daily and has led positive changes within the community in various ways. She progressed through the ranks of YIP Team Leader, YIP Supervising Team Leader, and now YIP Program Coordinator, demonstrating dedication, altruism, and community involvement every step of the way.

Cynthia has played a pivotal role in the personal and professional development of over 400 YIP students over the last four years and personally mentored over 40 students. Mentorship does not just happen during business hours, Cynthia makes herself available for youth in need well outside of working hours, always willing to provide guidance and support.

Beyond her role in Youth in Policing, Cynthia has also contributed to the growth of DRPS' Equity and Inclusion Unit, supporting the facilitation and logistical needs of numerous initiatives including but not limited to the DRPS Race-Based Data Town Hall, the Human Trafficking Prevention Seminar, and the DRPS Women's Symposiums. Cynthia goes above and beyond, volunteering her time outside her role to help out across DRPS.

Cynthia always puts others before herself; she is the last person to leave an event to ensure students get home safely and volunteers her time to drive youth home. She has gone above and beyond to impact her community positively and demonstrated the values of the Intercultural Dialogue Institute and DRPS through her leadership, dedication, and selflessness.

Congratulations Cynthia!