Afer 18 weeks of very rigorous training, the Bermuda Police Service welcomed its 21 newest members to the service. The recruits, consisting of all shapes, sizes, age groups and life experiences, successfully completed the Foundation Recruitment Course 81.
Who else to hand each officer their certificate of completion but Her Excellency Governor Rena Lalgie, who oversees the Police as a whole. She arrived at Police Headquarters at Prospect via Police escort, as did the newly-installed Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons and National Security Minister the Honorable Michael Weeks, JP, MP.
All three offered words of advice and encouragement to the new officers. In her speech, Governor Lalgie highlighted that police work can be quite difficult oftentimes, but it is essential to remain as calm as possible when under pressure.
“ The work that they will do to help vulnerable persons or those who have been seriously injured in distressing circumstances will be very indicative of their service,” she said. “ Having some
circumstances to give difficult news to family members and having to adapt to different demands, it is fair to say that there is easier work that you could have chosen to do, but we thank you for choosing to step forward to serve in the Bermuda Police Service.”
“ You should be proud of what you’ve achieved to get to this point and I’m sure that everyone here is certainly proud of you,” Governor Lalgie continued. “ As Governor, I commend what you have achieved and wish each and every one of you the best of luck in your future work. Thank you for your service.”
Following the Governor, Minister Weeks addressed the crowd and highlighted the importance of the job, especially in this day and age.
“ The combination of youth and life experience, the added academic achievements and leadership and decision-making skills will undoubtedly benefit the BPS and lead to lifelong and
rewarding careers,” he said. “ Family support will be critical to your success in the face of late nights and irregular working hours. I commend you for having the grit, determination and
commitment to complete this mission.”
After some individual and group awards were presented, Commissioner Simons addressed the Service’s newest members and reminisced about when he was a brand-new officer just like they
are, three decades ago.
“ After 30 years, I am very clear that attitude, not ability, is the key differentiator in our careers
and in our lives,” he said. “ Good attitude creates exceptional service. People really notice it and often say thank you.”
The Commissioner emphasized that these officers are now role-models in their community, whether on or off-duty.
“Wherever you go, whomever you hang out with, whatever you do, you will always be viewed by the community and me, your employer, through the lens that you are a police officer,” he said. “
You’re the one they call when life and death often hang in the balance. You’re the one that has to run to, while [others] are running away. You will be part of a team that has a vision and desire
to make Bermuda safer and works hard to do it every day.”
Even though policing looks very different for these officers than it did when Commissioner Simons started out, he emphasized that if he had to do it all over again in this day and time, he
would do so in a heartbeat.
During each foundation course, recruits choose a charity to raise money for. This year, theyraised over $2,000 for Lorraine Rest Home in Warwick. The check to the rest home was collected by PLP MP Ianthia Simmons-Wade, widow of former Opposition Leader L. Frederick Wade.
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