Most parents hope their children find a career they love.
Robyn got to watch her son choose the very same one.
After 26 years with York Region Paramedic Services, Robyn has seen countless new paramedics begin their careers. This month, one of them happens to be her son, Jason, who is officially joining the service and continuing a family tradition of helping others.
When Jason starts his first official shift with York Region Paramedic Services this month, he’ll be following a path that has been part of his life since childhood. Long before he wore a uniform himself, he was tagging along to St. John Ambulance activities, listening to stories from the road, and watching his mother build a career serving the community.
“I was 17, I knew I wanted to be a paramedic,” Jason said.
The realization came at almost the same age it did for his mother.
“When did you tell me?” Robyn asked during our interview with them.
“Probably when I was in grade nine or 10,” Jason replied.
“I was thrilled,” Robyn said. “I’ve always loved my job, so I was excited for him.”
As Jason grew up, many of the experiences that shaped Robyn’s path became part of his as well. He worked as a lifeguard, became involved with St. John Ambulance, and eventually completed his paramedic education and more than 500 hours of on-road training.
Along the way, he also picked up some lessons from home.
“Treat people the way you want to be treated,” Jason said. “Most of the job is just talking to people and being there for people.”
It’s advice that mirrors what Robyn has shared throughout his life and throughout her own career.
“Work hard,” she said. “Treat people the way that you would want to be treated, and their family members how you would treat them. And enjoy the ride.”
The family’s connection to York Region Paramedic Services runs deep. Robyn’s coworkers have known Jason since he was a little boy, watching him grow up through photos and stories shared over more than two decades.
“We’re a big family,” Robyn said. “They’ve seen Jason grow up as a little boy. I’ve been there 26 years. They’ve known him from day one, and now they’re going to be working with him.”
That connection could soon become even more meaningful.
Because Jason has joined the same platoon schedule as his mother, there’s a good chance the pair could find themselves working the same truck together.
They’re already joking about what that might look like.
“We said we were going to do overtime together,” Robyn laughed. “And he’s like, ‘You’re going to be driving. I’ll be attending everything.'”
For Jason, joining York Region Paramedic Services means beginning a career at the same organization where his mother built hers. For Robyn, it means watching the next generation carry forward a profession she loves.
And while she’ll be thinking about retirement in the years ahead, she’s more than happy to see someone familiar taking over the family legacy.
