Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Police personnel in the Area One Division, which lost some four members during the criminal onslaught which has been plaguing western Jamaica, yesterday recommitted themselves to protect and serve the community.

The recommitment was made during a service of renewal and dedication at the Burchell Baptist Church in Montego Bay, St. James.

"(The year) 2007 was a difficult year, especially in St. James, as several colleagues were killed by criminals in the line of duty," said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Paul Ferguson, who represented the absent commanding officer for Area One, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake.

Dedicate your lives to God

"I am calling on you all to dedicate your lives to God and seek his guidance as you go out to protect and serve this nation," continued SSP Ferguson. "Despite the challenges, we did well last year and I hope we will do even better this year with God's help."

During the service, planned by the Area One Chaplaincy Service Branch in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Island Special Constabulary Force, Area One chaplain, Reverend Courtney Walters, called on police personnel to take stock of their lives and seek God's guidance as they embark on a New Year.

"It is time for you to take stock of your lives and invite God's guidance as you embark on this New Year," said Reverend Walters. "Regardless of what you might think, you need to come to the realisation that only God can protect and guide your path."

Integrity

In delivering the homily, Reverend Davewin Thomas, the pastor at Burchell Baptist Church, called on the police to protect the integrity of the force and develop a longing for God, which will help produce godliness.

"You must go out and protect the integrity of the force because that is the only way you will be able to serve with honesty and integrity," said Rev. Thomas. "I am hoping that during 2008 you will develop for God, which is key to acquiring godliness."

The service, which offered up a grand mix of prayer, exhortations and songs, had a very high moment when Constable Linton Gordon, who was not on the programme, filled in for the Cornwall College choir, which failed to show, and offered up a brilliant rendition of the song, Amazing Grace."

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com