Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Twenty-one men and women of the St. James Police Division put down their guns yesterday and sat in reverence to God at the Salvation Army Temple Corps in Montego Bay.

The police personnel were being honoured by the Salvation Army for the invaluable service they have been giving to the residents of the parish.

Some of the awardees have been serving the division for well over 25 years. The awardees comprised two inspectors, four sergeants, five corporals and nine constables.

Constables Craig Davis, Stephen Smith and Clive Messam, who were ambushed, shot and injured by gunmen in Salt Spring, St. James, last December, were honoured in their absence. They remain on protracted leave.

In the 'fiery' occasion, church members and the police blended their voices in song which echoed throughout the community.

"We have watched the police work tirelessly over the years, serving and protecting people's lives and properties. They have given service that is beyond ordinary means and so we thought it was only appropriate to show our appreciation," Major Joliker Leandre of the Salvation Army told The Gleaner.

God's guidance

Earlier, Major Leandre prayed for God's guidance for the police. He said he understood the risk they faced from criminal elements in their line of duty.

"It is a sad message society is sending when they refuse to relay information to the authorities when a member of the security force is killed by criminals. We need to support them. Our job is to pray for those in authority including our politicians," Major Leandre told the congregation.

Deputy Superintendent Paul Stanton, the officer in charge of administration for St. James, reminded his colleagues and the church of the importance of values and attitudes. He said the society sometimes failed to recognise that a breakdown in family life often resulted in crime.

He has also called for the Church to further help in the fight against crime by continuing to positively influence families.