Michelle-Ann Letman, Gleaner Writer

Folkes

The eldest retired officer of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Atheleston Folkes, is 98 years old today.

His former JCF colleagues will celebrate his career during a ceremony at the Police Officers' Club in St Andrew.

For his quality and long-standing service to the JCF, Folkes has been bestowed with six medals, including The Queen's police medal for distinguished service and the Jamaica long-service medal.

'Disciplined man'

Nicknamed 'Gentleman Folkes' by his colleagues, he is described as a disciplined and respectable man by one of his close friends and colleagues, retired ACP Edgerton Wynter.

"He is well respected by everyone, he is alert and well spoken," said Wynter, who was present at Folkes home last week when The Gleaner arrived.

With a warm smile, a firm handshake and a hearty "hello", Folkes welcomed The Gleaner team into his home. Though he suffers from an injured leg, he made his way out to the patio and showed off pictures of his wife, Leila, and children.

He also pointed out a newspaper article, published in The Gleaner in February 1935, about his wedding.

"She was a beautiful woman," he said, as he ran his hand over the framed photograph of his wife who died three years ago

After taking his seat, Folkes proceeded to talk about how he met wife, who he said was his first and only girlfriend.

'Life-changing experience'

"I was transferred to Buff Bay after I completed my six months of police training, it was then that I met my wife," the St Ann native said. "That was a life-changing experience and the best thing that could have happened to me."

After getting married, Folkes admitted life became difficult as he was transferred from Buff Bay to other parts of the island.

"It was very difficult because my wife and children had to be moving around," he said.

Though there were hard times, the retired ACP said he would not trade his experience in the JCF for anything.

"I am very proud to have served in the JCF for almost 40 years," Folkes said.

Reflecting on the first day he met her, his face lit up with joy.

"I remember that day when I told her I would marry a woman like her. She told me she wasn't ready for anything like that, she was concentrating on her nursing career," Folkes recalled.

Reciting a love note sent to him by her only a month after their first encounter, he said: "This world may pass away and perish but the constant love for you I cherish."

Before the JCF, his wife and his children, ACP Folkes was a banana tallyman in St Ann's Bay where he grew up.

While telling his story, the enthusiastic ex-cop broke out in song, singing, "six han, seven han, eight han, bunch!"

Folkes said he is looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday in the next two years.

Atheleston Folkes, retired assistant commissioner of police, shows off pictures of his wife and family. - photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer