Meet Sarah Saler - The First Female Licenced Technician to Work Full Time With Peel Regional Police
Sarah Saler was first exposed to automotive services when she was in grade 11. As a result of a class scheduling conflict, Sarah was unable to fill her timetable with classes she preferred. So, she sought advice from her mom. As a joke, and because many of her family members are mechanics and own an auto service shop in India, Sarah’s mom suggested that she take the auto shop class. Continuing in the humour of it, Sarah conceded and signed on. That is when, to her surprise, Sarah found her fascination with how cars work. That was that. She was hooked.
In 2014, after two years of secondary school experience and a skills competition under her belt, Sarah commenced her post secondary education in Automotive Technology through Centennial College. Peel Regional Police accepted Sarah as a Co-Op student in our Fleet Services department. She spent nearly a year alongside our highly trained automotive technicians. In 2018, after completing her studies, Sarah was hired on as a temporary Service Technician with Peel Regional Police Fleet Services. A few years later, her role became permanent. She was the first woman to ever embark on that adventure full time.
“Being a female in a male dominated place was absolutely terrifying for me. This was also the first place I ever had hands on experience. The people here really helped me. They treated me really well. Most of what I am doing now I learned from the amazing technicians here at Peel Regional Police. They have guided me from my co-op placement to where I am right now. They have shared their sense of humour and have always made me feel welcome.” Sarah shared, “Even though it may be terrifying, women can still do anything they put their minds to. I want to encourage the women who want to do work like this. Because the work is in a male dominated environment, some women are scared of taking that first step. I want to show them that I was able to do it and they can as well.”
Along with her duties working on our fleet of vehicles, Sarah has an active role as a reservist in the Canadian Navy where she works as a Materials Management Technician.
Sarah is steadily building on her knowledge and experience. Her dedication and hard work with Peel Regional Police has recently paid off. Sarah received a promotion to the position of Licenced Technician.
“I’m an introvert. I don’t feel worthy of all of this attention for what I am doing. I feel that I don’t know as much as I should either. That’s how I feel right now.” Sarah continued, “Despite that, I have to have patience and learn as I go. I know I’m on the right path to learn what I need, I need patience for sure.”
We are all very proud of her accomplishments. Please join us with her family, and friends in congratulating her.
For more information about civilian and uniform employment opportunities with Peel Regional Police, please visit the Work with Us - Why Work Here page of our website.
