Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Police has made history after it has been announced that it is promoting its first woman to a captain.
“I started with APS in 2018,” Captain Timya Robinson told WSB.
This isn’t the first for Robinson, who also broke ground when Atlanta Public Schools Police named her as its first female sergeant.
Robinson began her career as a patrol duty police officer for a local agency before entering the school system, where she said she felt she could make a difference in the lives of young children.
“It was very rewarding to come over to the school police and work with the children and be able to have those sit-down conversations such as, ‘What do you plan on doing with your life?’ You know you can make a difference. You can make a change now. Every day is a day for a change,” Robinson said.
She further stated that she didn’t think in her wildest dreams that she would ever become a captain – she just loved to lead and led her team the best way she could.
“If you’re going be in charge, be in charge, you know? Make sure that you are doing your best and being your best self and being the best example for those looking upon you,” Robinson said.
It was that mindset that got her into the position she is in now. She says she will never forget when she received news about the promotion.
“First thing I did was tell my daughters and they were jumping up and down rushing me saying ‘OMG, mom you’re a boss!’ I said ‘Okay, now it’s real,’ Robinson said.
Sgt. Daniel Lomax, a good colleague of Robinson, said that he could not think of anyone more deserving than Robinson to hold the post.
“Leadership doesn’t have a gender. Leadership is about character and Capt. Robinson has that character and so it’s not hard to follow her,” Lomax said.
Carissa Jones, the head of a nonprofit called Every Girl Shines, agreed.
“Just seeing her in that position lets other young girls know that they can pursue a career in that area as well,” Jones said.
