The Passing Out Parade for Recruit Foundation Course (RFC) 83 took place 4pm Thursday, 18th July 2024 at Police Headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire.
12 Constables, consisting of seven women and five men were on parade, accompanied by the Bermuda Island Pipe Band under the command of Pipe Major Aidan Stones. They were led by the Parade Commander and Drill Instructor Acting Chief Inspector Derrick Golding.
The newest members of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) are:
Constable 2600 Utsav Bansal
Constable 2602 Rachel Benedict
Constable 2603 Ashley Berkeley
Constable 2605 Chante James
Constable 2606 Amoy Johnson-Smith
Constable 2607 Tyler Kendall
Constable 2608 Holly Lavigne-Smith
Constable 2609 Logan Alexander
Constable 2610 Dragan Pavkovic
Constable 2611 Suraj Nair
Constable 2612 Tahirah Simmons
Constable 2613 Jah-Kintae Williams
Also of note:
Constable Tyler Kendall is the grandson of a long serving member of the Bermuda Police Service, retired Chief Inspector Roger Kendall.
Commissioner of Police Mr. Darrin Simons, on behalf of the men and women of the Bermuda Police Service, congratulated and welcomed the 12 new officers into the Bermuda Police Service family.
Dignitaries in attendance included: Her Excellency the Governor, Ms. Rena Lalgie and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP. Both spoke at Thursday’s ceremony.
Special guests in attendance included:
Deputy Opposition Leader & Shadow Minister of National Security - The Hon. Mr. Benjamin Smith JP, MP
Acting Permanent Secretary of National Security & Chief Fire Officer – Mr. Dana Lovell
Acting Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment - Major Larenzo Ratteray, ED
Honorary Colonel of The Royal Bermuda Regiment – Lt. Col. John David Gibbons O.B.E. (Mil), ED, JP
Collector of Customs - Ms. Cindy Pearman
Director of Public Prosecutions - Ms. Cindy Clarke, JP
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Corrections – Mr. Gladwin Simons
Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority - Mr. Jeffrey Elkinson
Deputy Commandant of the Bermuda Reserve Police – Mr. Shawn Russell
Mr. Michael Brangman – Centre Against Abuse
There were several awards presented during the ceremony. The awards and recipients were:
Athletic Awards - The Instructors Cup is an award that is given to the fastest male and female officer over the International 10 kilometre or 6 mile Flatts road running course.
The Instructors Cup was presented to Constable Jah-Kintae Williams for the fastest time of 56 minutes and 49 seconds in the female category.
The Instructors Cup was presented to Constable Tyler Kendall for the fastest time of 49 minutes and 22 seconds in the male category.
All Round Athlete & Physical Fitness Awards
Constable Jah-Kintae Williams (female).
Constable Tyler Kendall (male).
Deputy Commissioner’s Cup – This award is for the best effort on the course and the officer who has made the most significant progress.
Awarded to Constable Jah-Kintae Williams.
Charitable Presentation – It is a tradition of each Recruit Foundation Course to raise money in aid of a charity of their choice. All members of RFC 83 decided that the Centre Against Abuse would be the recipient of their charitable donation.
A cheque for $1,613.35 was presented to Centre Against Abuse representative Mr. Michael Brangman by Constable Holly Lavigne-Smith.
Academic Award – Awarded to Constable Tyler Kendall, who achieved an overall test average of 94% over 12 exams.
Commissioner’s Shield – Awarded to Blue Syndicate, led by Training Centre staff member Constable Ronald Taylor; consisting of Constable Chante James and Constable Tyler Kendall. The award was collected by Constable Tyler Kendall.
Baton of Honour Recipient: Constable Tyler Kendall – The Baton of Honour was presented by RFC 82 Baton of Honour recipient, Constable James Adams, to RFC 83 Constable Tyler Kendall, who was selected as the most distinguished student officer by the Training Centre staff.