Chief Petty Officer Francois celebrates 30th anniversary as a Law Enforcement Officer

Fri Jan 25, 2013

Chief PettY Officer Aaron Hezekiah Francois has been recognized by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coastguard, for achieving the milestone of 30 years service as a law enforcement officer.{{more}}

Francois, who holds the coveted title as the longest serving Coastguard officer of all time, from October 1983 to present, was recognized for his service at a ceremony held at the Coastguard on Tuesday, January 22, 2013.

On December 23, 2012, Francois, along with Superintendent of Police Carlos Sampson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ruth Jacobs and Sergeant of Police 171 Cecile McMaster, marked their 30th anniversary since enlisting as members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

“It’s a great achievement. I chose a job that I love. According to the great philosopher Confucius, if you choose a job that you love, you won’t have to work a day in your life,” said Francois.

He added: “I always tell my subordinates if they are on the job for money, they are just wasting their time. I encourage them to love their job.”

“I am the first Coastguard officer to attain 30 years,” Francois said.

Francois recalled the earlier phase of his career when the Coastguard was located at the Grenadines wharf, which was later relocated to the back section of the Marketing Corporation, before having a permanent home at Calliaqua.

He noted that in the earlier days, the Coastguard was mainly responsible for guarding against contraband, illegal fishing in Vincentian waters, as well as search and rescue, but over the years the mandate has been broadened to include drug interdiction.

Francois recalled that his most memorable experience, which could also be considered his most challenging as a Coast Guard officer, was travelling from Puerto Rico to Antigua in the midst of a storm in 1988.

“It was an experience of a lifetime, because most of us thought we would not have made it,” said Francois.

He said he enjoys the camaraderie at the Coastguard because the members live like brothers and sisters. “We look out for each other.”

Coastguard Commander (Ag.) Brenton Cain said he is elated to celebrate Francois’ achievement. He credited Francois for teaching him several areas of the CoastgGuard.

“He is the most experienced around and a father figure to the younger ones. He is very dedicated to his job,” said Cain.

Cain said he will encourage Francois, who is in the twilight stage of his career, to continue to share his knowledge with the younger members of the Coastguard.

(Police Public Relations)