Stephanie Lindsay-Clarke (left) promoted to superintendent and William Christie (right)promoted to superintendent.

He was at a loss for words when he was told by his colleagues that he had been promoted from the rank of police sergeant to the gazetted rank of deputy superintendent of police (DSP).

"This is the happiest moment of my career," commented William A. Kesler, a forensic polygrapher, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on January 18.

Speaking briefly with The Gleaner yesterday, the newly promoted officer said he had a sleepless night on Thursday after hearing the news.

"I couldn't believe until I saw it in the Force Orders today (Friday)," said DSP Kesler.

Two in the force

Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford (left)promoted to superintendent and Altimont 'Paro' Campbell (right) promoted to DSP.

Kesler is one of two specially trained forensic polygraphers in the island's security forces. The other is a member of the Jamaica Defence Force. There are private polygraphers operating in the island, but these two security officers are sometimes requested to work across the region.

A graduate of Stokes Hall Secondary, now renamed St Thomas Technical High School, Kesler climbed to the rank of DSP after 15 years' service in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

This is the first time in recent history that a police sergeant has been promoted to the rank of DSP.

He is among 129 members the JCF announced yesterday have been promoted.

90 other cops now DSP

Dean Taylor promoted to Superintendent.

The promotions include 90 other cops who have advanced to the rank of DSP. Among the popular cops who are now DSPs are Wayne Cameron and Gladys Brown-Campbell, formerly of the Constabulary Communication Network.

An attorney-at-law, Brown-Campbell was the female officer who was attacked and stabbed several times by a man who robbed her in downtown Kingston five years ago.

Altimont 'Paro' Campbell, a former front-line crime fighter and Michael Grant, a former Lasco Top Cop, are also among the new DSPs.

Among the 38 officers promoted to the rank of superintendent are Stephanie Lindsay-Clarke Clinton Laing, Dean Taylor, Michael Ellis, Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford, Franklyn Mitchell, McArthur Sutherland, Jonathan Morrison, William Christie and Errol 'Chippa' Grant.