The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Tuesday, honoured the families and children of officers who passed within the last year.

Tremalik Smith, son of Sergeant Marlon Smith who died in a motor vehicle crash in Trelawny on June 24 paid tribute.

“It’s not easy losing a parent to death at this time in our lives, especially when the person is our lifeline…when mom said no, he always said yes”, said Tremalik. He gave an example of how his dad would always say yes to them requesting KFC, pizza, or Wendy’s even though he knew his mom cooked dinner. Tremalik encouraged the other children present to “Reach for the stars and don’t disappoint”, in an effort to make their deceased parents proud.

The Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, reminded the families that the JCF will always be their family. He thanked them for coming to the event which was specially planned for them.

“Once you are family of one of our fallen officers you are family forever, you’ll always remain apart of us”, Anderson assured the children.

In keeping with this year’s theme, Tenacity, Transformation and Trust: A Force for Good, Commissioner Anderson alluded to the fact that it is the nature of our police officers to put people, country, and family before self.

“I am sure if we should have the opportunity to ask our fallen colleagues if they would choose to do this [policing] again, they would say yes”, Anderson said.

Nine-year-old Mackenzie Sharpe, daughter of District Constable Michael Sharpe, in giving the vote of thanks said, “I want to say to the people who are at the same stage as I am, God will bless and guide you during this time. The bible says that the father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his habitation. Meaning, God protects those who cannot protect themselves. So just know that you are not alone,” bringing the curtains down on Tuesday’s event.