Outgoing top cop honoured with farewell parade

Georgetown, GINA, March 28, 2014

President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee were among the guests at a well-attended farewell parade hosted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) today in honour of the outgoing Police Commissioner, Leroy Fitzpatrick Brumell at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

Being the most accessible police commissioner and retiring from the force with an unspoilt image are qualities that the outgoing top cop will be remembered for by many.
The final salute- outgoing Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell being saluted by the Guard of Honour at the farewell parade at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary

Brumell joined the Force in November 1977 and achieved his first promotion to the rank of corporal in 1982. He was subsequently promoted to acting sergeant and cadet officer in 1985, assistant superintendent in 1986, deputy superintendent in 1991, superintendent in 1998, senior superintendent in 2001 and assistant commissioner in 2005.

Following the death of former commissioner, Henry Greene, Brumell took over leadership of the force in 2011. He acted in that position until he was confirmed in October 2013.

In his address, the outgoing commissioner said that over the years, the police force has changed significantly. He lamented that today, police officers are not respected and trusted the way they were at the time when he was enlisted; emphasising that officers need to wear the force’s uniform with pride.
Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell greeting President Donald Ramotar while Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee and incoming Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud look on

“The force needs to go back to the founding principles of service and protection…officers must strive to regain the trust of the people they swore to serve,” Brumell said.

He also spoke of the newly established Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, which he referred to as a new breed of officers who will be tasked with the maintenance of law and order in society.

He also called for police ranks to strive to set shining examples for the youth population; being role models that are worthy of emulating. He said that, “for far too long the force has taken a beating, we must try to change that.”

Brumell will be handing over the baton to Deputy Commissioner, Seelall Persaud. He urged the force to give their new leader their full support. Similarly, he urged Seelall to listen to the needs of all officers and do all that is necessary to ensure that those needs are met.
President Donald Ramotar flanked by Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee at the farewell parade

Mention was made of the increasing number of training programmes that the officers of the force are being exposed to. The outgoing top cop expressed the hope that this will continue, particularly in the areas of crowd control and crisis management and resolution, so that the country will not have to experience another Linden standoff of 2012.

He recommended that more courses be offered to address issues such as hostile targets, as well as courses designed to suit the needs of the ordinary man in the street.

Despite the challenges that the force is battling with, he said that there have been many achievements that the entire country should be proud of. Speaking directly to his successor, Brumell told him to be prepared for long hours, sleepless nights, and endless phone calls, meetings and requests. He also assured that he will be willing to assist in any way he can, should the need arise.

Commissioner Brumell served for 36 years in several divisions and departments within the GPF. He is married and is the father of three children and two grandchildren.

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