by Giselle Lussier
GAZETTE STAFF
For Jennifer DeKezel, growing up in the small town of Baldur and being adopted by Norbert and Brenda DeKezel at four months old instilled in her a strong sense of community and resilience – qualities that have served her well in her 17-year career with the Toronto Police Service. From a young age, DeKezel knew she was adopted and was always incredibly grateful for the loving home her parents provided.
However, as she grew older, she became curious about her roots, particularly as her skin was darker than the children she grew up with. This curiosity stayed with her as she navigated her life.
Shortly after her 18th birthday Jen met her birth mother and three siblings, all of whom are now an important part of her life. While her adoptive parents provided a stable, nurturing environment, meeting her biological family has given her a deeper understanding of her identity and strengthened her sense of connection to her roots.
DeKezel’s journey to Toronto began fresh out of high school at just 18 years old, naïve and unprepared for the reality of leaving her small-town roots behind. “A new girlfriend of mine who was moving there invited me to move, so I did,” she recalled. “I had $200, no job, and after three months, my friend moved away. There were no cellphones, no internet back then. I was confused, but it was like the universe wanted me to go bigger, to explore and I was needed elsewhere. It was confusing because I was alone, couldn’t afford a flight home, and was way too proud to let anyone down of my new mission, so I stuck it out. “I recall spending my first Christmas alone, my sweet parents sent me a little mini Christmas tree which I still have with me through all my moves 30 years later.”
Despite the challenges, she persevered, taking on a variety of jobs – waitressing, working as a home decorator designer, starring on a TV show called Single Girl Diaries, working with those with special needs, and even as a legal assistant – gaining diverse skills along the way. But it was a unique opportunity that would ultimately change the course of her life.
Eventually she landed a position working and touring with NHL Legends, where she sang the national anthem, was game day organizer and liaison with local Police and Fire Associations from across Canada.The experience immersed her in a world of discipline, teamwork and leadership, all of which would later prove invaluable in her policing career.
During her time on tour, she frequently interacted with police officers assigned to the events. Working alongside them – and sometimes even giving them instructions – taught her the importance of standing her ground while remaining personable and confident. It wasn’t long before some of these officers took notice, recognizing in her the very qualities that made a great police officer. “They encouraged me, and their belief in me made me think, ‘Maybe this is something I could do,’” she said.
That encouragement, along with her growing passion for service, led DeKezel to make the bold decision to apply to the Toronto Police Service – a choice that would ultimately define her career. The process took over a year and a half. On her first attempt, she failed the physical test.
But instead of letting that setback discourage her, it only fuelled her determination. “I was more determined than ever,” she said. “Failing made me realize how badly I wanted this. So, with the help of some really good friends, I started training even more intensely.”
Her perseverance paid off. She passed the test, earned her badge, and officially became a Toronto police officer.
Early in her career, DeKezel responded to a call at a school in a high-crime area, where a group of girls were involved in a serious bullying situation. In that moment, she realized how deeply these young women needed mentorship and positive role models.
“It’s tough out there – it’s emotional and not very pretty,” she said. “These girls need something positive in their lives.”
Determined to make a difference, she launched Girlz Will Be Girlz, a mentorship program aimed at empowering young women. She started with four girls, meeting weekly – not just in classrooms, but on scenic walks, over a bowl of fruit, or in a coffee shop – wherever felt most comfortable for meaningful conversations.
“I know what it’s like to be a young female, to have body issues, to not feel accepted and navigate through all that female stuff,” she said sincerely. Girlz will Be Girlz was mostly funded by DeKezel, and finding the funds on her humble salary was not always easy, but she found a way. “It was so important to me that I never break a promise to these girls who had already experienced so much already.”
Seventeen years later with over 70 members, Girlz Will Be Girlz has continued to grow. Every other year, four new young women join, many of whom later become mentors themselves. Over the years, they have celebrated birthdays, marriages, births, and, most importantly, their own journeys of self-worth and confidence. Jen has not only been a positive role model, but she has become their friend – and, really, a part of the family. “I am a godmother to two of their children,” she said, beaming with that contagious smile.
In addition to her policing and mentorship roles, DeKezel has thrived as an entrepreneur with Monat, where her success has provided her the opportunity to fund her charitable projects, further expanding her impact in the community.
In recognition of her hard work and dedication to her community, she was presented with the prestigious HERO Award. An award which she used to fund a special project: decorating a spare bedroom into a whimsical retreat for her Girlz and foster children – a space of comfort and care for those she mentors.
But Girlz Will Be Girlz is just one of the many ways DeKezel gives back. For the past 15 years, she has led Toys for Kids, a program that raises over $10,000 annually to provide Christmas gifts for families in need. She is also the driving force behind Songs for Seniors, a group of young girls who perform singing and dancing routines in nursing homes, bringing joy to elderly residents.
Beyond her own initiatives, DeKezel is an active member of several community organizations, serving as an executive member of both the Chief’s Communion Breakfast and the South Asian Internal Support Network. She is also a proud member of the Women’s International Support Network, further advocating for mentorship and leadership among women in law enforcement.
Her volunteer efforts extend even further – she dedicates time to New Visions Toronto, which supports individuals with complex developmental disabilities, and Advocates for Etobicoke Youth, participating in multiple charitable events to support at-risk youth.
While DeKezel has never had children of her own, her heart for nurturing and protecting others led her to become a dedicated foster caregiver, offering emergency placements for children of all ages. Her home has been a haven for children in need, providing them with safety and stability during times of crisis.
And while her role as a police officer and mentor keeps her busy, she is also a devoted dog mom to her highly trained and beautiful golden doodle, Bella, who has become a beloved companion and source of comfort in her life.
Jen’s unwavering dedication to service has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to community engagement and law enforcement, including:
* The Jim Sneep ProAction Cops & Kids Award for her exceptional commitment to youth outreach;
* The Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.) Award, recognizing her leadership and impact;
* The Citizen of the Year Award from the Toronto Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, honouring her outstanding community service.
Most recently, DeKezel’s dedication and leadership earned her another significant honour – she was nominated by her peers to join the Toronto Police Service’s Women’s International Support Network. This prestigious group fosters mentorship, professional development and advocacy for women in law enforcement, further amplifying her efforts to support and uplift others.
From the quiet streets of Baldur to the demanding front lines of Canada’s largest city, Jennifer DeKezel’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, service and the unwavering belief that one person can make a difference. Through her work in policing, mentorship and entrepreneurship, she continues to shape a safer, more supportive community – one girl at a time.
“My heart is full,” she said. “These kids are so easy to love. When you love, there are no boundaries to how much you give.” She added, “My heart goes out to the elderly and children – after all, they are often the forgotten and our future.”
