Employee Spotlights: Respect in Action with TPD Officer Nasser and TFRD Assistant Chief Kaminski

On a recent shift, Officer Mohamad-Aly Nasser of the Toledo Police Department found himself in a tense situation between two neighbors embroiled in a property dispute. As tempers flared, Nasser recognized that the key to de-escalating the situation wasn't just enforcing the law-it was fostering respect.

"Are we not adults in public?" Nasser asked in a calm, measured tone. "If I have to resort to raising my voice to end this public disturbance, it suggests that neither of you seeks a civil resolution. Please, help me help you."

In an instant, his words shifted the neighbors' energy, transforming the heated argument into a constructive conversation. Following the intervention, there were no further incidents reported between the parties. "Respect, patience, and a willingness to help does prove to make a difference," Nasser said.

With 11 years on the Toledo Police Department, Nasser has had the privilege of patrolling every sector of the city. "Currently, I hold the position of Community Services Officer," Nasser said. "This journey has provided me with the opportunity to engage with diverse community members and to build strong relationships throughout the city."

"Among the more rewarding aspects of my role are the opportunities to bring joy to individuals and to foster enduring trust within the community," Nasser said.

He emphasized that respect is central to every interaction, no matter the circumstances. "Although each situation presents unique challenges and additional circumstances may arise, an officer who remains dedicated and compassionate towards the community they have pledged to protect and serve will continue to earn respect. Regardless of how minor a complaint can appear, an officer must always recognize its significance and seriousness to that individual resident, committing to utilize all available resources to assist in resolving the issue," he said.

For Assistant Fire Chief John Kaminski, respect is also integral to the work he does with Toledo Fire & Rescue. With 27.5 years on the job, Kaminski has responded to thousands of emergency calls, many of them during people's most vulnerable moments. "When you respond to someone's home, it's usually during one of the worst days of their life," Kaminski said. "We try to be a game-changer, ending their suffering and making things better."

Kaminski's approach to respect extends beyond just the people he serves-it's also about honoring their homes and belongings. "I treat their homes and belongings with care, as I would expect my family to be treated," Kaminski said. "As a department, we always strive to treat everyone with respect, courtesy, and kindness."

He explained that this begins with training. "It starts with good customer service," Kaminski said. "It starts with the way we train and implore our firefighters to conduct themselves, to treat everybody like they would want to be treated, and to show them the attention and the proper care that they deserve. Frankly, it's really important because that sets the tone. We're a member of the department, but also we serve the citizens of Toledo and represent the city of Toledo."

Both Nasser and Kaminski reflected on how respect shapes every aspect of their work. "It's about trying to help out and serve that community," Kaminski said. "So much of this comes down to the basic things that we're all taught when we're kids-you know, respect others, treat everyone you encounter the way you'd want to be treated, treat them as if they were your family member, and recognize that, especially in the work of the fire service and the police service, you are encountering residents on their worst possible day."

They agreed that respect isn't just for the public-it's also essential among colleagues. "The respect we show one another within the department sets the tone for how we treat the community," Kaminski said. "By fostering a culture of mutual respect, we strengthen the trust and teamwork that are crucial to our mission."

As the City of Toledo continues to reimagine its organizational values, stories like these serve as reminders that respect isn't just a principle-it's an action that builds trust and unity both in the community and in the workplace.

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.