Women of Distinction Honoured

York Regional Police held an event at Headquarters in Aurora to mark International Women’s Day.

At the event, Director of the 9-1-1 Communications Centre Lindsey O’Quinn and Constable Kim Majlik received the Woman of Distinction Award.

They were among 40 nominees, recognized by their peers for their contributions to York Regional Police and the community.

O’Quinn, who is in her 24th year with YRP, leads a team of 135 members who handle thousands of 9-1-1 calls each year.

“I feel incredibly honoured, I feel incredibly humbled,” she said. “I work with a lot of very strong women, and to be recognized in the same category of the women that I was recognized with is unbelievable.”

She described her team as hardworking and compassionate, noting their essential role within the organization.

“If me standing here receiving this award represents the work they do, I’m extremely humbled,” she said. “International Women’s Day is a day that represents strength, courage, collaboration, relationships and friendships. Being recognized on this day is exceptionally special.”

Constable Majlik, who has served with York Regional Police for 25 years, said she was “truly honoured and moved” to receive the award.

“When I got the call about the award, I realized that the work I had been doing for the last 25 years did inspire and motivate people,” she said. “And that makes me so proud because we all aspire to leave positive footprints.”

Constable Majlik, who is currently battling cancer, said she was not expecting the recognition and was simply focused on doing her job.

“We move through life and we meet people, we touch people and we try to instill in them the things that they need to be the best versions of themselves,” she said. “Getting an award for it is kind of the icing on the cake.”

York Regional Police thanks both Lindsey O’Quinn and Constable Majlik for their dedication to empowering, inspiring and supporting women within the organization and the community.