Police Officers celebrate milestones

Two batches of police officers have celebrated their 20th and 25th anniversaries, respectively, as members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.{{more}}

On Monday, July 15, 2013, six police officers, Station Sergeant Junior Simmons, Sergeant 244 Lavell Mapp, Petit Officer Vincent Gordon, Cpl 264 Dwight Matthews, Cpl 211 Renford Jack, and PC 284 Robinson Matthias, celebrated their 20th anniversary as law enforcement officers. Twenty police officers were enlisted in Course No.11, but six remain today.

Also celebrating personal accomplishments are Inspector Nigel Butcher, Sergeant 524 Lionel Lewis, Chief Petit Officer Tyrone Durham, and Corporal Erikson Browne, who marked their 25th anniversary on July 7, 2013.

Junior Simmons, who was recently promoted to the rank of Station Sergeant, said he would like to thank God for sustaining him throughout his career. As he celebrated this accomplishment, he noted that it was not always easy being a police officer. He thanked his wife and children for their support and understanding. During his tenure, he has worked at Beat and Patrol, Drug Squad, the Family Court, Special Branch, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and a few outstations.

He used the opportunity to thank persons who have contributed to his development, such as the members of his batch and his instructors.

Sergeant Mapp, who had the opportunity to drive three Governors General during his service, thanked God for keeping him in good health and for giving him the strength to attain the 25-year milestone.

“During the time, I had lots of ups and downs. I would like to thank, well-wishers and Course B’s (brothers),” said Sergeant Mapp.

Corporal Matthews, on the other hand, has spent most of his service with the Police Band.

“I think I have done my best serving the band. I have visited most communities in St Vincent and the Grenadines, helping to build the community spiritedness,” said Corporal Matthews.

Of the 30 police officers that were initially enlisted in his batch only eight remain.

Constable 533 Rodney Swift said during his career he had to make lots of sacrifices; however, with the support of his family he has been able to persevere. He said he has had a great opportunity to make a contribution to his country and plans to continue until he gets to the age of retirement.

Chief Petit Officer Durham thanked God for protecting him over the years, while adding: “It has been a lot of hard work and dedication. Initially, I thought I would not have been around for so long …but I will go on until retirement.” He said he has an opportunity to work at one of the elite departments in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, the Coastguard, and believes that this is a prime factor for his longevity in service.

He is appealing to younger police officers to learn what is expected of the organization and to work towards fulfilling those goals by being proficient in their daily tasks.

Corporal Browne expressed thanks to God for the opportunity to serve as a police officer for the past 25 years. He said as a boy he always wanted to be a police officer and is grateful that dream has materialised. Browne described his experience as a rewarding one.