Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Sergeant Gregory McArthur "Porky" Grimes

Sunday, February 28,2021

Today marks the end of our Black History Month Trailblazer series. We hope you enjoyed getting know who we are and we would like to thank you all for your likes, shares and kind remarks on social media for our past and present trailblazers. There are many more officers and staff who have achieved great things during their careers with the BPS, however there is no way we can cover them all in one month. With that said, we will continue to showcase our BPS trailblazers throughout the year.  We will end our BPS Black History Month Trailblazer series with none other than, the late Sergeant Gregory Grimes who tragically lost his life while on duty in December 2016. Our final Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Gregory McArthur “Porky” Grimes On 14 December 2016, the Bermuda Police Service and the community were deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that our good friend and colleague Sergeant Gregory Grimes passed away suddenly whilst on duty. Gregory was an exceptionally popular policeman who always took the time to mentor younger police officers.  We know that many of our present and recently retired members will have fond memories of working with Greg, who in 2009 and 2011, was chosen as “Police Officer of the Year and Sergeant of the Year.”

Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Cerepha Bridgeman

Saturday, February 27,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Cerepha Bridgeman Cerepha Bridgeman, is from the island of Barbados. She joined the Bermuda Police Service in September 2008. She has worked as a uniform patrol officer and was subsequently transferred to the Community Action Team as a Community Officer.  Sergeant Bridgeman exemplifies the epitome of a community officer and regularly assist with community oriented tasks, supports her colleagues and other agencies with community outreach and at risk youth and the elderly. She has received specialized training in various areas and in November 2017, she successfully completed her certifications in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), in addition, she is an instructor in Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.), a volunteer life coach with the MIRRORS Program. As a result of her outstanding commitment to the Mirrors Program in 2018, she was awarded the Mirrors Silver Award.  Also in 2018, Cerepha was nominated in the ACCP Regional Awards in the category of Top Caribbean Community Policing Officer and placed a respectable second runner up position. In June 2019, Cerepha was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and continues to work in the role of Community Officer as her dedication to the community has resulted in her receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award for the Mirrors Programme in July of 2020.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Angela Cox

Saturday, February 27,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Angela Cox Angela, is a Bermudian officer, married to Dean and the mother of two sons. She joined the Bermuda Police Service, in June 1986. Angela, spent the majority of her career working as a patrol officer at Hamilton Police Station. She remained there until 1995, when she transferred to the Women’s Police Office where she investigated Juvenile Crimes and all matters involving juveniles. Following that she had a brief period in Criminal Investigation Department, before being transferred to Parish Office where she performed the role of Pembroke Parish Constable; and later appointed as the 1st female Parish Officer for the “City of Hamilton”. She is presently attached to Police Prosecutions Dept. (Court Liaison Unit) as the Daily Plea Court Officer. In addition to her policing role, Angela previously owned and managed a small clothing boutique in the City of Hamilton. She enjoys cooking and exercising and maintains a healthy and happy lifestyle.  This year she will be celebrating 34 years of service to the people of Bermuda, and we say thank you for your contribution to “Making Bermuda Safer.”

Black History Month Trailblazer: Brenda Johnson

Saturday, February 27,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Mrs. Brenda Johnson Mrs. Johnson joined Bermuda Police Service as a civilian member on 8th December 1975. She is the Traffic Records Clerk at Police Headquarters, Prospect. She maintains and keeps immaculate records of all reported traffic collisions in the island of Bermuda. She also held the post of BPS Garage Cost Clerk. Mrs. Johnson has been employed with BPS for over 45 years, making her the longest serving member (police staff/officer) in the history of the service, having served under the administration of ten Police Commissioners. In 2019, at the BPS Awards Ceremony, Brenda was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for her long and distinguished service to the BPS, in addition to a Commissioners Merit Award in 2009. In addition, Brenda has been married to Mitchel for forty years and has three children Damon, Mechell and Marcus-Alan and six beautiful grandchildren. In her spare time Brenda enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. We take this time to thank Brenda for her dedication and commitment to the BPS and her service to the people of Bermuda.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Acting Detective Inspector Dorian Astwood

Friday, February 26,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Acting Detective Inspector Dorian Astwood Dorian is a Bermudian officer who began his career with the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in January 1993. He has been selected and posted in several key positions; in addition to having successfully completed numerous specialized training courses locally and overseas. Dorian was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in October 2003, and is presently Acting Inspector, OIC Special Branch and Government Security Officer. He is a Police Vehicles Driving Instructor, Close Protection Officer, Tactical Firearms Commander and Firearms Tactical Advisor having served 19 years as a member and Team Leader in the Firearms Emergency Response Team.  During the span of his career, Dorian has been the recipient of 4 Commissioner Commendations, 5 Team Merit Awards and in 2019 he was recognised by the Department of Public Prosecution for Outstanding Service. He maintains a healthy lifestyle and fitness regime and in his off time can often be found working out in the gym; and either cycling or walking with his wife Shannell.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Commandant Sandra Cortina Beach

Friday, February 26,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Commandant Sandra Cortina Beach On Thursday, 8 October, 2015, Sandra Cortina Beach, broke the glass ceiling when she became the first female to be appointed as Commandant of the Bermuda Police Reserves. Commandant Beach a graduate of the Whitney Institute School, joined the Bermuda Reserve Police July, 1995, and immediately her leadership qualities were exposed and in April 1998, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. She continued to work hard to rise up the ranks and was promoted to Reserve Inspector in September of the following year. Her efforts and strong work ethic did not end there and was again she was promoted to Chief Inspector in April, 2001. During the month of May that year, as a Chief Inspector, Ms. Beach was exposed to operating in a strategic leadership role as she oversaw the running of the entire organization owing to the absence of the Commandant, Deputy Commandant and Superintendent. In addition, she worked in all divisions of the Service and was promoted to Superintendent in September, 2004. Commandant Beach is known for organizing skills and performing leadership roles on behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, in many of the community events; including, the Annual Girl Guides Thinking Day Service, Harbour Nights Policing Plans and the Annual Christmas Parade, held in the City of Hamilton. She has received overseas training and attended several conferences and courses in Barbados, Canada, London, Bahamas and the United Kingdom. For her service she has been awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Colonial Police Long Service Award, in October 2010, for 15 years of service, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Colonial Police Long Service Award in October 2020, for 25 years of service. She is presently leading on the 70th anniversary celebration plans for the Reserves in July of this year.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Carole Royer

Thursday, February 25,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Ms. Carole Royer In 1959, Ms. Carole Royer, became the first black female and the first civilian to work in an administrative position for the Bermuda Police Force. Commissioner Henderson was in charge of the Police Force when she joined the Force and by the time she retired forty years later, in March 1999, she had served under the administration of seven Police Commissioners. On her retirement Carole was honoured with the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for her Long Service to the Police, and a gold award and plaque from Commissioner Colin Coxall for her outstanding contribution to the Bermuda Police. Carole continues her relationship with her friends and former colleagues of the BPS by attending social events or via telephone calls. Carole paved the way and trained many of the females and male officers alike and was instrumental in creating the systems that are used today. Thank you Carole for your many contributions, service and dedication to the Bermuda Police Service and the people Bermuda.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Deborah Binns-Robinson

Thursday, February 25,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Mrs. Deborah Binns-Robinson Mrs. Binns-Robinson joined Government on 14th November 1977, working at the Department of Tourism and later the Registrar of Companies. In December 1983, she joined the Bermuda Police Service, Police Headquarters, Prospect, as an Administrative Assistant with Special Branch/Intelligence until 2012. Mrs. Binns-Robinson has been employed with Government and the BPS for over 43 years. She continues to perform her duties as the Administrative Assistant for the Superintendent in charge at Hamilton Police Station; making her one of the longest serving members in the history of the service, having served under the administration of nine Police Commissioners. Her other connection to the BPS is with her sibling Christopher who also works for the BPS. Deborah is married to Russell and has two sons Antoine and Russell Jr. In addition to her work commitments, Mrs. Binns-Robinson enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and is an active member of the Seventh day Adventist Church. Deborah, we take this time to salute you for your contribution to public service and to your significant achievements within the Bermuda Police Service.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Michael "Terry" Thomas

Thursday, February 25,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Michael “Terry” Thomas Sergeant Thomas is a Bermudian who joined the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) as a Cadet in August 1986. During his tenure he has served in several key post within the BPS and is arguably the most trained officer in the service. In March 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and his policing role includes; Police Motor Car and Cycle Driving Instructor, BPS Chief Firearms Instructor and Service Armourer, Emergency Response Team (ERT) Member as well as the Coordinator, Officer Safety Instructor, Public Order Instructor, Incident Commander and Trainer. He remains active within the organisation in his efforts to maintain morale as a member of the annual Police Week Committee responsible for the fun day/sports day and police gymkhana. In addition to his policing duties, Terry is an avid sportsman and has represented various sports clubs including Young Men’s Social Club,  Nationals Sports Club, Devonshire Recreation Club, North Village Community Club, St George's Stallions and the BPS in cricket and football, both locally and internationally. He is also an active member of cycling club Winners Edge and has participated in several of the Annual Heritage Day Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycle Race.

Stabbing Incident in the City of Hamilton, Two Suspects Arrested [Updated]

Wednesday, February 24,2021

Around 4:00 p.m. today, Wednesday 24th February, 2020, police responded to a report of a stabbing incident at the bus terminal in the City of Hamilton. Upon arrival officers were informed the victim a sixteen-year-old male had suffered a stab wound to the chest and left on a motorcycle headed to King Edward Hospital, where at last check, he was undergoing emergency surgery. His injuries which were described as life threatening.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Jean Vickers (nee Mattis)

Wednesday, February 24,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Jean Vickers (nee Mattis) Jean Vickers (nee Mattis) made history as our first Bermudian female police officer when she was recruited by then Commissioner George Robins who made the decision to recruit women into the Bermuda Police in the early 1960s. Jean joined the BPS in January 1962, attending our first 3 month Basic Training Course #1 along with two other females, Betty Osborne and Gwendolyn DeGrilla. These three were posted to the newly formed Policewomen’s Department then headed by Inspector Isobel Lee who had been hired from the UK to set up the Department. Initially, our female officers dealt with such matters as offences against women including rape, indecent assaults and domestic violence, the ill-treatment of children, and handling female prisoners when arrested, but they soon began dealing with a wider variety of police work.  Jean excelled in the job and was soon awarded a Commissioner's Commendation for investigating a forgery case in 1964, and a second Commendation in 1966 in connection with a drugs case. In 1968 Jean was promoted to Sergeant and second-in-charge of the Police Women’s Department, and in 1977, when W/Inspector Lee retired, Jean was promoted to Inspector-in-charge of the Department. Having earned the distinction of becoming the first Bermudian Female to be promoted to the rank of Police Inspector.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Assistant Commissioner Antoine Daniels

Wednesday, February 24,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Assistant Commissioner Antoine Daniels Mr. Antoine Daniels, a black Bermudian, joined the Bermuda Police Force (Service) in 1984 as a Cadet and rose through the ranks becoming one of the Police Service’s youngest Assistant Commissioners in July 2012, at the age of 44. He has two sons Antoine and Ahri and is married to Alison. Throughout his career he has held significant responsibilities including acting as the Strategic Commander for the America's Cup 2017, as well as the strategic lead for police firearms and public order response. ACOP Daniels has significant experience in managing major criminal cases from both operational and strategic levels, having spent large periods of his career as an investigator. Mr. Daniels has received significant training and in addition to his BSc. in Criminal Justice, he completed the International Commanders Programme in 2008 and the International Strategic Leadership Programme in 2010, at UK’s National Policing Improvement Agency. At that time Assistant Commissioner Daniels was only the second student at the Staff College to receive Executive Diplomas in both Strategic Management and Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute. In 2020 he successfully completed the prestigious Strategic Command Course held at the UK’s College of Policing, achieving an overall result of Distinction.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Reginald Chesterfield Eugene "Pickles" Smith

Wednesday, February 24,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Reginald Chesterfield Eugene “Pickles” Smith Eugene or “Pickles” as he is widely known Bermudian who began his employment with the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) as an apprentice motor mechanic having completed his training at the Bermuda College in October 1978. He now has over 43 years of service, making him one of the longest serving members (police/civilian) in the history of the BPS. Pickles entire work and adult life has been spent working with the Bermuda Police Service. During his employment, he has been an important part of the team that keeps all BPS vehicles maintained and road worthy, thereby keeping the general public, police officers and staff of the organization safe. In addition to his long and celebrated career with the BPS, Pickles is an avid sportsman who has represented the North Village Community Club, Centours United, Vasco de Gama and St David Cricket Club in football. He is an active member of the BPS Football and Golf Sections and is also a member of the Ocean View Golf Club. Pickles has also participated in the Annual Heritage Day Road Race (24 May) on several occasions, starting at the age of 16 years old and has finished a respectable 9th place on several of those occasions.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Inspector Charlene Thompson

Tuesday, February 23,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Inspector Charlene Thompson Charlene joined the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in April 1995, and was a graduate from Recruit Foundation Course #50. She was also awarded the coveted “Baton of Honour” as the Best Overall Recruit. During her employment with the BPS, she has held several key positions including, the Criminal Investigations Department, Community and Juvenile Services, Serious Crime Unit, OIC Training Department and the Organised and Economic Crime Division. Another first for Charlene was to be the first female Police Inspector, Guard Commander to lead the BPS Guard in the annual Queen’s Birthday Parade celebration. More recently she was posted as OIC Roads Policing/Airport Unit and is presently posted to the Commissioner’s Office on Special Projects. In addition to her policing duties, Charlene is the mother of two young ladies Jasmine and Kiara and three grandchildren, ages 11, 9 and 2 years old. She spends her weekends baking the best culinary goods, sewing or quilting, bed spreads and handbags, all of which she donates to local charities.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Fiona Miller

Tuesday, February 23,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Fiona Miller Sergeant Miller is a Bermudian Officer who joined the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in June 1991. During her varied tenure as a Police Officer, Fiona has served in a number of key positions within the BPS. She has received specialist training and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in June 2005. She holds the distinction of in 2001, becoming the first BPS Female Motor Vehicle Driving Instructor and remains active to date. Fiona is also a member of the BPS Critical Incident Stress Management Team. She has held post as OIC Cadet Training as well as a Recruitment Officer for the Service and has been a member of the recruitment team that has travelled to the UK, Canada and the Caribbean to recruit officers for the BPS. In her present posting as Sergeant in the Court Liaison Office she continues to coach and mentor her staff and maintains excellent working relationships with BPS stakeholders and partners working in Bermuda’s Criminal Justice and Court systems. In June 2021, Fiona will celebrate 30 years of service to the people of Bermuda. In addition to her policing duties, Fiona is an Executive Member of the Bermuda Bicycling Association and a social member of the Winners Edge Bicycle Club.

COVID-19 Regulations Reminder for Liquor Licenced Premises

Tuesday, February 23,2021

Since the lifting of the curfew and extension of opening hours for bars and restaurants, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS), has already had to issue two 24-hour closure orders to liquor licensed establishments for failing to adhere to COVID-19 regulations as they relate to bars and nightclubs. Martin Weekes the Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations, said: “It is not our intention nor our desire to be closing businesses during these already difficult times. However, the government has issued regulations that must be adhered to in order to prevent the spread of the novel Corona Virus, COVID-19. The BPS will continue to work with the owners and operators of bars, nightclubs and restaurants to gain compliance with the stated guidelines.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Inspector Emmerson Carrington

Friday, February 19,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Inspector Emmerson Carrington Emmerson who was born in Barbados joined the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in June 2003. He has held several key postings within the BPS, inclusive of a Training School Instructor, Traffic Collision Investigator and Firearms Incident Commander. He was promoted to the rank of Inspector in January 2011. His present posting is the BPS Offender Risk Management Team Coordinator and he continues to works closely with our sister services and other helping agencies. In addition to his policing duties, Emmerson is an avid sportsman and was the head of the BPS Bowling Team, the Blue Lanterns in the local bowling league. In 2013, he organized and led a team of BPS Athletes to the World Police and Fire Games, held in Belfast, Ireland, where they won several silver and bronze medals. Since 2010, he has been a member of the Bermuda Cricket Board Umpires Association, and currently holds an Executive position of Assistant Secretary. He has officiated in International World Cup T20 Matches and since 2014, he has been the Senior Umpiring Official in Bermuda’s Annual Cup Match Classic. Having become a cricket umpire, for the years 2014, 2017, 2018 and most recently in 2019, Emmerson was awarded the coveted title of BCB Cricket Umpire of the Year.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Edward "Bosun" Swainson

Thursday, February 18,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Edward “Bosun” Swainson Inspector Edward R. “Bosun” Swainson made history when he scored the first century in Cup Match in 1937, and he went on to become a legendary police officer who was our first black officer to be promoted to the rank of Inspector. Edward was born in Bermuda in 1901. As a young man he proved to be an outstanding all-round sportsman and was clearly an exceptional cricketer who joined St George’s C.C. at the age of 15, and by 1925 he was appointed captain of St. George‘s Cup Match team.   It is a little known fact that during the 1920’s Bermuda would regularly send teams of our best “coloured” cricketers to New York to compete against teams from the West Indies. After his brilliant performances during a 1927 tour, it was said of Bosun that he “… gave such an exhibition of masterly batting as evoked the plaudits of the most sophisticated critics, who acclaimed him when he first played in New York, as the finest batsman seen in New York since the Australians visited the country over 20 years ago.” High praise indeed! “Bosun” or “Bo” as he became known, joined the Police Force in 1935, and quickly established his reputation as a resourceful and excellent police officer. Two years later he scored 122 runs to achieve the first century in Cup Match, and he almost repeated this feat the next year when he scored 99.  By 1945, “Bosun” had also proven his ability as a highly efficient investigator, and he was appointed as a Detective.  Three years later, in May 1948 “Bosun” was promoted to Detective Sergeant, and less than 12 months later he made history when he was promoted to Detective Inspector becoming the first black Bermudian to reach the rank of Inspector.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Chief Superintendent Oliver Salsbury Winfield "Chief" Trott QPM CSM LSM

Wednesday, February 17,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Chief Superintendent Oliver Salsbury Winfield "Chief" Trott QPM CSM LSM Chief Superintendent Oliver “Chief” Trott was, without doubt one of the most popular and respected officers to ever serve in the Bermuda Police Force. Although his later years were spent as Chief Superintendent in Uniform, it is as a brilliant detective that he earned his richly deserved reputation. Oliver, was born in St. George’s on 24th July 1914, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Trott. Their family home was the yellow cottage standing just behind Somers Gardens at the corner of Shinbone Alley. We’re not sure what compelled Oliver to do so, but in 1939 at the age of 24, he made the decision to join the Bermuda Police Service, at a time when men of “colour” had great difficulty making progress through the ranks. Oliver spent his early years on the Force in uniform, first at Hamilton Police Station and then as Paget Parish Constable. He spent some time serving in Somerset, however, in 1952, he was transferred to CID which was clearly the turning point in his Police career. He excelled as a detective officer and spent most of the rest of his distinguished career in CID. His rapid progress through the ranks was a testament to his ability and dedication. He was promoted to Detective Sergeant in 1955, and just one year later, in 1956, he was promoted to Detective Inspector. That was an exceptionally quick promotion by any standard. Five years later, in 1961, he was promoted to Chief Inspector in charge of Central CID where he cemented his reputation as an outstanding detective. During his time in CID Oliver was involved in the investigation of many serious crimes, including the Warwick murders, and on several major cases he worked closely with Scotland Yard Detectives brought in from abroad to provide assistance. In 1967, Oliver was promoted to Superintendent in uniform and became Bermuda’s first recruiting officer in charge of recruitment and training. Throughout most of the 1960s he interviewed literally hundreds of potential recruits and travelled to the U.K and to the West Indies to do so, as well as interviewing Bermudian applicants for the Police Force. Oliver was the first Chairman of the Bermuda Police Association and was instrumental in pushing for the intermingling of all police officers, regardless of race, in a social setting at the Police Recreation Club. He was an avid cricket fan and would often turn out to support the Police Force cricket team. In 1968 Oliver was promoted to Chief Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement from the Force on January 29th, 1972, after a career spanning over 33 years. During his illustrious service Oliver received numerous letters of good work and Commissioner’s Commendations for his expertise in solving serious crimes and in 1962, he was awarded the Police Long Service Medal, the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1968, and in 1971, he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for his Distinguished Service.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Deputy Commandant Ron-Michel Eugene Davis

Tuesday, February 16,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Deputy Commandant Ron-Michel Eugene Davis Ron-Michel is a born Bermudian Officer and married to his wife Le'Shea. He has two sons ages 16 and 10 years old. Ron-Michel joined the Bermuda Police Reserves in November 2001, and during his tenure has been posted to several key postings in the Bermuda Police Service. During his early years his leadership and strong work ethic was quite evident and resulted in him being identified as a future leader of the organization. In June 2004, he was promoted to Reserve Sergeant and over the next ten years he continued to rise through the ranks. In March 2014, following a rigorous promotion process; he was promoted to his present rank of Deputy Commandant. He has served for over 20 years and during his time, he has worked on several major investigation and has supported the Bermuda Police Service with achieving its priority goals and objectives. Ron-Michel continues to coach, mentor and invest of his time to develop the officers under his charge. For his efforts he has been awarded several merit and appreciation awards and letters of good work.