Cop suspected of committing suicide
Published:Thursday | January 5, 2023 | 1:31 AMHopeton Bucknor/Gleaner Writer
Superintendent Wayne Josephs, the commanding officer in charge of the Westmoreland Police Division, has made an appeal to officers in need of counselling or assistance with personal issues to seek help through mechanisms within the force.
Josephs made the appeal on Wednesday following the death of a police corporal, who is believed to have committed suicide at his home in the Llandilo Housing Scheme in Savanna-la-Mar.
The deceased, Corporal Horace McDermott, was stationed at the Frome Police Station in the parish.
McDermott’s body was reportedly discovered on Wednesday morning with a single gunshot wound to the head. His service pistol was also discovered close to his body.
Josephs, who described the tragedy as most unfortunate, confirmed that preliminary information suggests that it could be a case of suicide but that an investigation would be carried out to make a final determination.
The commanding officer said that the the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s chaplaincy and medical services are available to assist officers having personal or mental issues.
“Members of the Westmoreland Police [Division] are in a very sombre mood, especially those who were close to Mr McDermott, and I just want to take this opportunity to offer my condolences, on behalf of the Westmoreland Police Division, to the relatives of Mr McDermott,” he said.
Residents of the scheme told The Gleaner that McDermott was very friendly and always ready to assist community members who were having problems.