Prior to becoming a police officer he worked as a laborer and a teamster. In 1904 the Police Force was reorganized and Mayor Daly promoted Officer Robinson to the rank of Sergeant.  In a Cambridge Chronicle newspaper article dated April 30, 1904 it stated that; “As a patrolman Mr. Robinson has done good services, and he is promoted solely on his merits.  He knows the duties of a patrolman, and will make a good sergeant.” He worked at Station 2 until his illness early in the summer of 1914, and retired later in 1914 with a pension after 30 years of service.

Sergeant Robinson passed away on December 4, 1914 at age 62 in his home on 15 Union Street, Cambridge, MA.  He is buried in Cambridge Cemetery.  As stated in the December 17, 1914 issue of the Cambridge Chronicle: “He was considered an ideal patrolman and superior officer, and his knowledge of police matters ranked him with the leaders.