Grange Hill celebrates retired cops for 100 years of service to community
Published:Tuesday | October 1, 2024 | 12:08 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Grange Hill in Westmoreland, which has been a hotbed of gang violence in recent times, was in an appreciative mood on Sunday as the residents honoured three recently retired policemen, who they singled out for their roles in protecting the community from criminals.
The three honourees, who collectively gave more than 100 years of service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and were described as mentors, protectors, and friends, are retired Inspector Barrington Gentles, retired Corporal Robert Hylton, and retired District Constable Joshua Bandoo. Gentles and Hylton both served for 36 years, while Bandoo served for 29 years.
In the appreciation ceremony, which took place at the Grange Hill Baptist Church, Yvonne Thorpe-Sonlin, president of the Grange Hill Zone of Justices of the Peace, said the three retired policemen have made an indelible mark on the community and had earned the respect and admiration of the residents.
“These men have dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Their hard work and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for their service,” said Thorpe-Sonlin. “Their legacy will inspire future generations to continue the noble work of community service and protection. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
In a message from Morland Wilson, the member of parliament for Westmoreland Western, he praised the work of the men, especially their contribution to the Morgan Bridge Police Station.
“Your contributions to the Morgan Bridge Police Station are invaluable. Your professionalism, integrity and compassion have earned you the respect and admiration of your colleagues and citizens alike,” said Wilson. “Your tireless efforts have ensured that safety and well-being of our citizens, and you have left a lasting impact that will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of law enforcement officers.”
Warren Lyttleton, councillor for the Grange Hill division, said the three former police officers have given unquestionable service to the people of Grange Hill and are deserving of the gratitude of the residents as they go off into retirement.
“When the roadways are free of traffic congestions in the Grange Hill space, you could be assure that Inspector Gentles is on duty,” said Lyttleton. “We want to thank them for their service; they have served the Grange Hill space with integrity, professionalism and class.”
Superintendent Othniel Dobson, the police commander for Westmoreland, said he was proud to have served with the three men in various formations of the JCF at different times, saying they provided excellent services, especially in Westmoreland.
“These persons have spent more time serving the community, serving Jamaica, than most of us will do,” said Dobson. “When you go out to serve, the livelihood of you not making it back home is very high, so it is with enormous appreciation that I thank you on behalf of the community, the commissioner of police, the Area One officer, and all of my staff in Westmoreland.”
Dobson encouraged the men to use their retirement to offload the stress of policing work and to eat well, exercise and find time to give thanks to their God.
“I can say these officers have served, been through the trenches, and have made it back home,” said Dobson.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Jordaine Allen, who has portfolio responsibility for Zone Three of the Westmoreland Police Division, which covers the Morgan Bridge and Frome Police stations, said the officers can leave with pride, knowing that they served with professionalism.
“I am certain that across the JCF and many organisations, persons leave, and they just leave like that, without a memory, but the impact that these police officers have made on the lives of the citizens within the police area is evident, and what we want to do is to continue the hard work that they put in,” said Allen.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Gentles said their service will not end with their retirement, pledging that they will continue to serve Jamaica.
“Although we are retired, it doesn’t stop there. We will continue to serve as good citizens in assisting in whatever situation we are called upon to do,” said Gentles. “We are greatly honoured to be afforded this honour after serving you the way we did. I know that we served with pride, dedication and commitment.”